No one is more determined to see Gretna survive in the SPL than Danny Grainger.

The Cumbrian defender grew-up at Raydale Park and has fond memories of his days as a trainee. He joined the club as a schoolboy and has worked his way through the ranks to establish himself as a key member of the first-team squad.

Five years ago, he was cutting grass, cleaning boots and painting fences in preparation for Gretna’s first game in the Scottish league.

But the 21 year-old admits he now facing his toughest challenge as Gretna look to retain their top-flight status.

“Every young player has dreams and aspirations of playing at the top level and I was no different,” he said.

“It only seems like yesterday when we were getting ready to face Morton on the opening day of the season. As a YTS, I had all sorts of jobs to do but that is part of being a young footballer.”

“I wanted to make it at Gretna as it was an exciting time in the club’s history. With Brooks taking over, there was huge ambition and he wanted to take Gretna into the SPL.”

“Now that has become a reality, it would be a great shame for all the hard work to be undone.”

“We are 10 games into the season now and it’s fair to say it obviously hasn’t gone the way we would have wanted so far. Everyone will look at the table and say we are bottom because we have played poorly, but that is not the case.”

“We have taken positives from the majority of the games and we have showed we can compete in this league. If we had held the lead against both Hibs and Celtic, two games we weren’t expected to win, then we would be in a much different position now.”

“We accept there have been times where we have not performed and that is something we need to improve on sooner rather than later. We have given away a lot of soft goals and we can’t do that at this level.”

“There is no blaming each other or anything like that because we are in this together and will change it together.”

The full interview is available in the seventh edition of Anvil, the offficial matchday magazine of Gretna FC. It also features an exclusive interview with goalkeeper Tony Caig on his frustrating transfer ordeal from the Vancouver Whitecaps.

With regular columns from Davie Irons, Mick Wadsworth, Paul Murray and Kenny Crichton, Anvil is priced at £2.50 and is available from sellers around the ground.

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