Darrell Young to leave Penicuik Athletic

We can confirm that our record appearance holder Darrell Young is departing Penicuik Athletic after twelve years of incredible service, 345 appearances, 22 goals and 93 clean sheets, as he goes off travelling.

The man known as 'Dawson' was brought to the Cuikie by Craig Meikle ahead of the 2013/14 season from Bonnyrigg Rose 'A' U21s and his debut season ended with him pocketing his first medal at the club, the East Region Premier League. Promotion to the Super League for 2014/15 saw Dawson continue to establish himself at the heart of the Cuikie defence.

2015/16 saw further success as Penicuik defeated Bonnyrigg 3-1 in the Fife & Lothians Cup Final, with Dawson opening the scoring with a header.

Under the management of Johnny Harvey in 2016/17, Dawson formed a solid partnership with Craig Hume as they helped Cuikie record a fourth placed finish in the Super League, their highest finish in over 30 years.

This was improved upon in 2017/18 as the Cuikie finished 3rd in their final season in the Juniors, and there was medal number three for Daws as he put in a Man of the Match performance in our 2-0 win over Tranent in the East of Scotland Cup Final. 2018/19 brought honour four as Penicuik finished their first season back in Senior Football top of Conference A before finishing overall runners up in the East of Scotland League under Tony Begg and Kevin Milne.

Dawson played his part in the Scottish Cup run of 2019/20 before the season was ultimately ended prematurely due to Covid, though he did add another few appearances during the short attempted 2020 season.

He hit 250 games for the club during 2021/22, and he helped the club during their title challenge under Stevie McLeish that season as they finished up second on goal difference. A memorable moment in that run was his last minute header which proved to be the winner against Camelon.

Appearance 300 came during season 2022/23 and he showed his experience in the dressing room throughout the management turmoil towards the end of the campaign.

During his testimonial season 2023/24, Dawson finally overtook his former teammate Ryan Gay with his 312th appearance against Pollok in the Scottish Cup, to become our record appearance holder, a truly remarkable testament to the committment Dawson has shown the Cuikie. His testimonial took place at the end of the campaign as his XI ran out 4-2 winners against Lewis Coult's Elite XI.

Unfortunately injury limited Dawson to just three appearances during season 2024/25, returning for the end of the season.

It is almost fitting that on his final appearance against Newtongrange earlier today, one of the finest ball playing defenders seen at this level provided a wonderful assist. Club President Andy Penman made a presentation to Dawson following the game.

Everyone at Penicuik Athletic wishes you all the very best in your future, not just in football but in life. We hope you enjoy your travels. You and your family will always be welcome at Montgomery Park.

Darrell 'Dawson' Young, you leave us a legend. Thank you.