You are currently on loan at Stirling Albion this season from Queen’s Park. How has the experience been for you so far, both in terms of your personal development and competing in League Two, a league renowned for its intensity and competitiveness?
“It’s been really good, especially for a change for myself. I think I’ve learned a lot in the first six months, and with the rest of the season still to go, there’s more to take in.
“I’ve played almost every single game this season, and I can feel myself improving game by game. It’s been a great experience, and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
What has it been like working with the players and coaching staff, particularly given the mix of seasoned professionals like Dale Carrick, who brings prior experience from clubs like Hearts, alongside younger talents like yourself?
“It’s been fantastic. The players have taken me under their wing really well. The manager has played at a good level, and that’s important. The experienced players pass on their knowledge to me, and that’s only going to help me in the long run. Every day, I go in and try my best to learn from them and improve my game as much as I can.”
Your manager at Stirling, Alan Maybury, brings a wealth of experience from playing at a high level himself. As someone who understands the journey of breaking through as a young player, what has his approach been like in helping you grow and establish yourself?
“He’s been excellent from the first day he brought me in. He’s been playing me regularly, which shows he clearly sees something in me. After every game and every training session, he gives me feedback—things I’ve done well and areas I can improve.
“I take that into the next day’s training and work on it. With his experience at a high level, learning from him has been incredibly beneficial and will only help me in the long run.”
One fascinating aspect of your journey is that you’re not the only footballer in your family. What has it been like competing in League Two, especially with your older brother Kevin is playing in the same division with The Spartans?
“It’s been brilliant. League Two is already a competitive league, but having my brother in the same division adds an extra competitive edge.
“We keep an eye on each other’s results, and the league table is quite close between our teams now. His side didn’t start as well as they would have liked, but they’ve caught up a bit.
“Playing against him has been fun, and while we always support each other, that added competition makes it even more exciting.”
How do you reflect on your time at Queen’s Park – prior to your loan at Stirling – where you captained the B team to a Reserve League title and featured in first-team?
“I think I’ve done really well so far. I didn’t expect to achieve as much as I did in such a short space of time. They had a regular B team squad from the year before, so I thought I’d have to fight my way in.
“I managed to do that in pre-season and was made captain for the first game, which was completely unexpected. It showed I was doing something right.
“Getting a chance in the first team so early also proved I was on the right track. Since I’ve been at Queen’s Park, I’ve seen myself improving physically, technically, and in every other way. Working under different coaches and alongside various players has been invaluable, and I’ve really enjoyed my time there so far.”
Looking back at your time with Hibs, you were called up to the Scotland Schools team as well as competing in UEFA Youth League games. How did those experiences shape your development, both on and off the pitch?
“It was a different kind of experience for me. Some of the boys were already full-time, but I was still in my last year of school, so I stayed on to get extra qualifications. Playing in the Youth League and for the Scotland Schools team was my first experience of traveling abroad to play football with a team.
“It was a great experience, and I learned a lot from it. I got the chance to play under managers like Gareth Evans and Darren McGregor, who’ve both played at a high level. They passed on so much knowledge to me. My time at Hibs was fantastic, and I loved the Youth League games as they were a big moment for the club and a great experience overall.”
Finally, Ricky, as a talented young player still in your teenage years, what are your ambitions for the next two to three years?
What goals have you set for yourself as you look to continue gaining first-team experience and advancing your development both on and off the pitch?
“The most important thing is to keep playing regularly. Being out on loan has been crucial for me this year. Over the next few years, I want to get as many first-team minutes as possible. When I go back to Queen’s Park for pre-season, my aim is to fight for a first-team place.
“Anything can happen in football—things can change in an instant. But as long as I’m playing and enjoying the game, that’s what matters most. The next few years are probably the most important for me because football can change so quickly. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Featured image: Queen’s Park Football Club
Callum McFadden 