Ryan Stevenson speaks on Bo'ness title challenge, position change and Broxburn Athletic clash

Ryan Stevenson (with captain Chris Donnelly) won the East of Scotland League Cup with the BUs earlier this year - now he wants the league title

Local Bo’ness lad Ryan Stevenson is desperate to bring success to his hometown team this season – because he knows full well how much it means to the Newtown Park club’s supporters.

Stevenson spent last season on loan at the BUs from Raith Rovers before making the move permanent in the summer. The 20-year-old has been pivotal to their early-season form, with Bo’ness topping the East of Scotland Premier Division at Christmas.

Ahead of hosting Broxburn Athletic tomorrow – with a seven-point lead over second place Camelon – Stevenson revealed he would love to land the title with the club he watched lift leagues as a kid.

“I’m a local boy, I stay in Bo’ness and playing for the club was something I always wanted to do,” said Stevenson. “I wasn’t sure it was going to be so early in my career, but it has just panned out that way. Once I spoke to the manager [Max Christie] and listened to what he had to say and what his plans were, it was a no brainier for me.

“I had my own football commitments, but when I got the chance I would pop along and watch some of the games. I’ve watched them play in the Scottish Cup against Queens Park and the two years in a row that we won the league, I was at both of them.

“It would be brilliant to win the league for the fans. I know how good a crowd they can get when the fans get behind us. Hopefully we can pay them back with a title and move up the leagues.

“I think it’s always better to have the points on the board and let other clubs try and catch you, especially at this time of the season. There is still a long way to go with a lot of big games coming up.”

Stevenson has recently switched from an attacking midfield role to full-back by boss Christie and he wishes he had made the move sooner.

He said: “I’ve always played in midfield, but recently I’ve moved to full-back which I think has actually helped me. Looking back, I probably wish I had done it earlier in my career with the way I have been playing there. I think it suits me a bit more.

“It was a strange one to start with, but after a couple of games, I’ve started to enjoy it and I now really enjoy it. I’m enjoying getting up and down the park, trying to get assists and goals.

"You see a lot more of the ball and I have a lot more time to get my head up and pick out a pass.”