Annan Athletic striker Tommy Goss has returned to Galabank from his loan spell at East Fife just in time for the club’s Scottish Cup fourth-round clash with Rangers at Ibrox – and he admits he couldn’t be happier to be back.
The 6-foot 4, target forward has been a hugely popular figure with Annan supporters since joining the club in the aftermath of the Covid period, and his return has been warmly welcomed by both fans and teammates.
“Yeah, I’m delighted to be back,” Goss said to Annan’s official YouTube channel.
“I’ve kept in regular contact with the manager [Willie Gibson] ever since I’ve left and we’ve got a good relationship.
“I’m happy to be back and all the boys have welcomed me back with open arms.”
Goss has built a strong connection with the Annan fanbase over the past few seasons, and he is clearly grateful for the support he has received both on and off the pitch.
“I’m just happy to be here. I can’t wait to be playing in front of you all again,” he said.
“You’ve always had my support the whole way and yeah, I’m buzzing to get going.”
That backing meant even more during a difficult period when Goss required an operation, with supporters helping him through his recovery.
“That means a lot,” he said.
“The fans all stepped in and helped get that over the line for me to get back playing.”
His return couldn’t have come at a bigger moment. Annan travel to Ibrox on Friday night to face Rangers in front of a packed stadium and a live TV audience – a dream occasion for any lower-league player.
“Aye, it looks like I’m coming back for a Rangers game,” Goss joked.
“That’s what some people might be saying. I’ve already heard it from some of my mates.
“But I was in contact with the manager way before the draw was even made about coming back.”
“It’s a game that everyone wants to play in. Hopefully there can be a cup upset.”
Goss is well aware of the challenge Annan face, especially with Rangers now in strong form under Danny Röhl.
“They’re in great form,” he said.
“Maybe when the draw was made they weren’t in the best of form, but they’ve kicked on now.
“It’ll be a tough game. We know we’re going into a tough game.”
Still, the atmosphere inside Ibrox is something he is looking forward to embracing.
He said: “A packed Ibrox stadium as well. It’ll be a good atmosphere for the boys to play in.”
With over 1,000 Annan fans expected to make the journey, Goss believes the travelling support will play a huge part.
“That’s massive,” he said.
“Massive for such a good club. All the fans coming to support the team on a big night, it’s good that they’re all getting behind us.”
Back on the training pitch, Goss has already settled back into the squad.
“Great,” he said.
“The manager always puts on a great training session. All the boys – it’s a good group we’ve got here. I’m delighted to be a part of it.”
Friday night will also be a special occasion for his family.
“My nephew and his papa are going and some of our mates are going as well,” he revealed.
“I’ll have my girlfriend and my kids at home watching. It’ll be a bit late for my kids to make it – they’ll fall asleep in the stands!”
For Goss, the return to Annan feels like the perfect fit – and doing it on the biggest stage in Scottish football makes it even sweeter.
With the fans behind him, the squad in good spirits, and a historic venue ahead, the striker is ready to enjoy every minute of his Galabank homecoming – starting under the lights at Ibrox.