THE unveiling of the Andy Matthew Lounge on Saturday saw some of Cowdenbeath's most famous players pay tribute to the manager who guided them to promotion to the First Division in the 1969-70 season.

Among those who were at Central Park, before the game with Stirling Albion, to meet Andy Matthew's family were skipper Andy Kinnell, Davie Ross, Dennis Jack, Jim McArthur, Robin Thomson and Jim Taylor.

The former players were honoured to be able to take part in the opening ceremony and club chairman Donald Findlay said: "It is marvellous for us to be able to call our lounge for our Club 135 members after the man who guided Cowdenbeath to the highest place the club has held in the Scottish game Post War.

"Having to battle and struggle is part of the town's history. The mining industry saw Cowdenbeath have some great times, and some struggles, and really that is also how the football club's history has gone too.

"The 1969-70 team fought hard to win their place in the top grade and Andy Matthew steered them well in a season which saw some real battles with the teams challenging them, including eventual champions Falkirk.

"But the team won through to get promotion and it is excellent that we have been able to mark it with the naming of the lounge and also have the same strip for this season as was worn 50 years ago.

"It is a privilege to welcome Andy's family here along with the heroes of yesteryear.

"It is occasions like these that really underlines how the Cowdenbeath family sticks together."

The Andy Matthew Lounge will provide pre-match facilities for members of Club 135, which has seen significant funds raised to ensure the long term future of the club.