The heartache of missing Gretna’s final penalty in the Scottish Cup final has never left Gavin Skelton.

It has been eight years since fate conspired against Workington Reds’ newly appointed manager, but the son of an Appleby farmer has still never watched his misplaced strike, which ricocheted off the crossbar to gift Hearts the trophy.

But Skelton is a pragmatic man. He is level headed, and realistic.

Everything happens for a reason, and Skelton knows that. He uses every experience as a way to learn, develop and become stronger for it.

That low moment at Hampden Park is one of those times, although he admits it was hard to find strength at the time.

He says: “I’ve never seen the penalty on TV, the internet, or anywhere else – I don’t need to.

“But I think about it. That moment has never left me.

“We’d practised penalties, and I always smashed it down the middle.

“I knew what I was going to do, but got it wrong, and we lost. Craig Gordon was a wall in that goal. He made it look there was nowhere to go.

“I didn’t change my mind, I just hit it, and it went over.

“It was horrible. That walk back to my team-mates felt like an eternity. I was called to do a drugs test straight after so by the time I’d got back into the dressing room, I was all alone. Just me and my thoughts, and the sounds of Hearts celebrating.”

The Hampden Park incident was a low one for the now 33-year-old, but there have been others; being let go by boyhood club Carlisle United, dropping out of professional football, and a certain Portugal international called Pedro Mendes.

All are now reflected on with a more positive outlook by the brother of popular TV presenter and charity fund-raiser Helen.

Skelton is eloquent, endearing and when he talks you listen. He is the perfect face of Workington Reds.

He took charge of the Borough Park changing room last week, and is optimistic about both his and the club’s future.

He has a natural charm and gentle nature, but is aiming for more than a Blue Peter badge.

Currently undertaking coaching courses, Skelton describes himself as young and ambitious.

He adds: “It’s an opportunity I never expected. I have always wanted to be a coach. I have always thought about my game, and tried to make sure I am as fit as possible.

“I am not blessed with natural talent, I have had to work for what I’ve got, and I’ve made a career for myself.

“I’m taking my coaching badges now, it’s something I’m pleased to be doing, and at 33 years old it’s great to be in management.

“I’ve worked with lots of different types of coaches, and taken the good and bad from all of them.

“I always try to learn from everything that happens to me. Being let go by Carlisle was hard for me.

“It was the first disappointment I’d experienced in football. I’d started a few games, and come on as a sub in others. It was a dream to play at Brunton Park. It was a ground I was regularly at as a kid.

“But it didn’t work out, and I dropped out of professional football.

“Gretna offered me a way back. It was unexpected, but fun. There was never a boring day with Brooks Mileson in charge!

“Football has given me a career, but there was one day when I wish I wasn’t. We were playing Rangers, and Pedro Mendes was incredible, the best I’ve come up against.

“I couldn’t get near him. He had me running for 90 minutes, and I didn’t get a kick.”

Growing up in Appleby, Skelton had a stable and supportive upbringing on his dad Richard’s farm.

Mum Janet is a nursery teacher, and Skelton still has the same group of friends from when he was a teenager.

He says: “I was very fortunate. I have a fantastic family, who help to support and ground me.

“My dad is a big Carlisle fan, he loves football. We’re all sports mad. I wouldn’t have achieved what I have without their backing.

“Helen and I are close, and I’m proud of her. She has done so well, and we speak regularly and meet up for family meals. It’s nice when we’re all together.

“Football hasn’t really changed me. I’m still Gavin Skelton from Appleby. I still have the same bunch of friends I grew up with.”

Skelton will marry his long-term girlfriend Rebecca Walls next year.

She is another calming influence on the midfielder, who finds it difficult to switch off after a match.

He says: “Rebecca is great. She understands how much I love football, and lets me get on with it.

“But after a while she will have enough, and it’s time to get over what has happened. I need that.”