BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
FORMER Cowdenbeath and East Fife defender Joe Mbu has performed a dramatic u-turn and will put off his retirement to lead Edinburgh City into their historic first season in the SPFL.
The 34-year-old decided months ago that he would hang up his boots this summer and, even after the Lowland League champions’ stunning play-off triumph over East Stirlingshire, the talismanic defender would not be swayed.
However, the Scotland Juniors internationalist has changed his mind and will now enjoy the capital club’s promotion to League Two and an exciting opening to the season against Livingston, Ayr United, Hamilton Accies and St Mirren in the Betfred Cup.
City boss Gary Jardine said: “It’s great news – it’s probably the shortest retirement in history!
“His objective coming to the club was always to get us promoted and, with a bit of pestering from the rest of us, he’s decided to stay on.
“He doesn’t want to just keep Edinburgh City up next season, he wants us to make a challenge in the league and be the best we can be, and he’ll help drive us on in that goal.”
Skipper Dougie Gair, who netted the promotion-clinching penalty against Shire, has also been convinced to play on, delaying plans to retire to concentrate on working opportunities.
