Troon F.C. vs. Ayr United
Saturday 22nd July 2023
Portland Park, Troon KA10 6QN
Kick-Off: 3pm
Tickets: £8, Concessions £2

The showpiece event of Dean Keenan’s Benefit campaign arrives on Saturday 22nd July, when Portland Park in Troon plays host to a Benefit Match between Troon F.C. and Ayr United.

Kick-off in the main game will be 3pm, and a day of celebrations will be enjoyed by all.

TROON F.C.

Dean Keenan will lead out the Troon team against his former club, Ayr United.

Dean Keenan signed for Troon in January 2012 at the age of 26, as he made his comeback from injury in the Juniors.

Deano confounded the doubters after a stuttering start to his Troon career as he shook off his injury woes, and quickly became the heartbeat of the side, and heartbeat of the dressing room, that won back-to-back promotions, as well as the Ayrshire Cup & Super First Division title in 2014. After cementing a defensive partnership with Gavin Collins, Deano led us into the Super Premier Division in 2015, where he went on to consolidate his position as one of the top Junior players in Scotland season after season.

His career moved onto it’s next stage in June 2019 when he made his first move into coaching, appointed Player/Assistant Manager to new Manager Jonny Baillie before then working under his long-time Manager & friend Jimmy Kirkwood again. It’s a role he has excelled in so far, and one he will now look to progress even further.

AYR UNITED

Dean Keenan joined Ayr United in the winter transfer window of 2007-08 on loan & this sparked a new era for Deano, and he was one of Manager Brian Reid’s first signings after taking over the hot seat from Neil Watt. Quickly becoming a mainstay of the side under Reid, Keenan signed for Ayr on a permanent deal in the summer of 2008 and that season Ayr became a force to be reckoned with as Keenan a crucial player. Just one of his highlights that season was a wonderful headed goal against bitter rivals Kilmarnock in a Scottish Cup clash at Somerset Park.

That Ayr side were to be promoted via the play-offs after a season long battle with Raith Rovers for the title, a Mark Roberts double in the first leg & a Ryan Stevenson goal in the second sealing victory over Airdrie United at the Excelsior to spark wild scenes amongst the travelling support (and probably a few days of celebrations for Deano!).

LEGENDS MATCH

Troon Legend’s XI vs. Deano Legend’s XI
Saturday 22nd July 2023
Portland Park, Troon KA10 6QN
Kick-Off: 12.15pm

Before the main event, supporters will be treated to a Legend’s Match between a Troon Select & a Deano Legend’s XI taken from his time at both Greenock Morton and Ayr United.

Keep your eyes peeled for some player announcements!

AFTER THE MATCH

The social club at Portland Park will be open from 11am, and all supporters are very welcome. It will be open til late so everyone can catch up with old friends and former players!

SCRAN will be open from 8.30am on Saturday & will be open right through the football til late in the evening, selling a variety of hot food & drinks as well as cold drinks.