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Cove Rangers benefactor Terry Cobban predicts Premiership rise in club’s future

Cove Rangers' main sponsor, Terry Cobban of ACE. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson
Cove Rangers' main sponsor, Terry Cobban of ACE. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

Cove Rangers have never shied away from being an ambitious club. It is what has fuelled their rapid rise to the Championship.

It is also what convinces Terry Cobban, managing director of club sponsors ACE, bigger horizons lie ahead for Cove.

Their promotion to the SPFL came early in a five-year plan from club chairman Keith Moorhouse to get them into the Championship.

It was achieved earlier this year, two ahead of schedule.

But upon the completion of the original plan, a new one was required, and Moorhouse said in the summer there was nothing stopping the club dreaming of an ascension to the Premiership.

Come the end of this next five years, Cobban sees no reason why that cannot be accomplished.

“I think they’ll be in the Premiership,” said Cobban.

“There’s a few changes that the club itself has to make, but I think they’ll do that, as a progression, over a period of time. But I wouldn’t be surprised (if they made the Premiership).

Terry Cobban came on board with Cove Rangers in 2019. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson
Terry Cobban came on board with Cove Rangers in 2019. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

“When I joined here, Keith said they had a five-year plan, to be in the Championship in five years. They did it in three.

“There are ambitions to go further and I don’t disbelieve him – I don’t think it’ll be too long before they’re in the Premiership.”

ACE started their partnership with Cove in 2019, joining forces upon their promotion to the SPFL.

Earlier this year, at the club’s centenary dinner, it was announced their sponsorship deal would be extended until 2025, following a six-figure investment.

It has been a beneficial relationship for Cobban, an Aberdeen fan who sees room in the city for both clubs to thrive.

“I’ve always liked football and always been involved in some way,” he said. “I don’t think Aberdeen is too small for more than one club – there’s plenty of room for other clubs.”

Explaining how he came to be involved at the city’s other club, Cobban added: “Angela Bruce (Cove commercial manager) – who had worked at Pittodrie – invited me along to a game, and within 20 minutes, I thought: ‘wow’.

“There’s just a different family feel and that’s what I like about it. Everybody knows everybody and you feel wanted.

“I think Aberdeen has been spoiled by just having Aberdeen, and I do think it’s big enough for two teams.”

Cobban has built up a strong relationship with Moorhouse, whose own association with Cove goes back to 1997.

“Keith hasn’t changed,” said Cobban. “He’s still the same jovial guy, but you can see the drive and ambition.

Cove Rangers chairman Keith Moorhouse. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson
Cove Rangers chairman Keith Moorhouse. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

“He never deters from where he wants to go. That stays with him.

“ACE only been involved a short time, but when you look at celebrating 100 years this year, it’s truly remarkable.

“For the club to still to be around, still be doing what it’s doing in the Championship, is a true achievement.”

Cove celebrated their centenary this year and last week launched a book to commemorate the milestone.

They have spent the second half of the year in the Championship, where they are holding their own just out of trouble in the bottom half.

“This season has been up and down,” added Cobban. “There are harder teams in the Championship.

“The disappointments have been some of the late goals – but they will get where they need to be.”

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