New Portadown defender Jack Duncan says he is “buzzing” for the start of the new Irish League campaign, which kicks off this weekend.
The towering centre-back came through the youth academy at Hibernian before spending two years at Livingstone, where he was part of their SPFL Reserve League Two title-winning squad in 2019/20, he also had loan spells with East Stirlingshire and Dunbar United during his time at the Almondvale Stadium.
The 23-year-old from Edinburgh would make the switch to Caledonian Braves in July 2021 and then onto Cowdenbeath in June 2023.
His most recent club was Tranent FC of the Scottish Lowland Football League who he joined in February, and now he is onboard at Shamrock Park as the Reds embark on their return season in the Premiership after promotion last season from the Championship.
So how has he found things at Niall Currie’s Armagh side?
“It’s been good,” he said.
“I’ve really enjoyed meeting all the boys and adapting to a bit of a different culture over here, but it’s been really good so far.”
“I’ve noticed I’m not the only Scottish player over here. Since I’ve come over I’ve been chatting to a few (Scottish) guys I’ve played against.
“There’s obviously a few guys playing in the south as well, but it’s not something I was too aware of to be honest but coming over myself it’s come to my attention a lot more now.”
With Portadown beginning their campaign against last year’s Irish Cup winners Cliftonville at Solitude on Sunday, the countdown is on, and Duncan is feeling the excitement around the club and the town as well.
“The start of every season is exciting, more so now as this season is upon us now.” Said the defender.
“I’ve settled in with the boys and there’s a really good standard there. After getting promoted you’re kind of looking to embed yourself in the league.
“We’ve a really good group of boys so we’ll see what happens.
“The first game of the season is always a bit of a buzz. I wasn’t too aware of the situation with Sunday games here, we did it quite regularly in Scotland.” He continued.
“I’m buzzing to get started. Hopefully we can kick off with a good start and come away with all three points.”
The Ports have a history of turning Scottish players into successes at the club, with 90′s stars Stevie Cowan and Sandy Fraser starting the influx of Scots to the town. Duncan is keen to continue the theme of success stories there.
“Their love for Scottish players is something which has come to my attention since coming over.
“I’ve been welcomed with open arms, and I can only thank the fans for that so far. We were over playing in Stranraer and the fans were brilliant.
“I’ve loved it so far and I’m hoping I can carry on the Scottish name at the club.”
