A Board Meeting was held last night and as has been the case since the pandemic struck, the Directors would like to keep supporters as up to date as is possible on club affairs.
Firstly as many may have noticed in the Courier today, Jim Graham the father of our Chairman who in recent times has been a welcome visitor to Station Park, passed away peacefully at his home in Blairgowrie on Wednesday morning.
We are sure the sympathy of all involved at Station Park is extended to Ross and all the family at this sad time.
ONLINE CLUB SHOP – Louise Taylor has been delighted with the level of sales over the past week since the Club Shop went fully online with a few bargain buys in particular available.
ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT – The Directors have decided reluctantly to cancel another popular event in the club’s fundraising schedule, the Annual Golf day which was scheduled for 14th August out at Cunninghill.
Although golf courses are to re-open next week, with restricted playing conditions, it was generally felt we had no other option but to pull the plug on this year’s tournament. There is no guarantee of social distancing being relaxed by then or for that matter clubhouse facilities being fully available.
Taking all this into consideration it was also the opinion that the appetite for entries would be fairly low.
Hopefully though, what is always a great day out for all concerned will return in great heart in 2021 in what will be a busy year for all concerned with Forfar Golf Club as they celebrate their 150th anniversary.
GROUND – Martin Gray has been taken off furlough for this week and has carried out in his own inimitable fashion remedial work on the playing surface and surrounds. It is obviously important to keep Station Park in good condition so we are ready for the ‘starting gun’ when activity however restricted can resume.
RETURN OF THE SPFL – Two of the ‘Loons’ Directors took part in a lengthy meeting of SPFL League One and Two clubs yesterday. Of course, much of what was discussed is of a confidential nature, but the main thrust of the meeting was the potential for a re-start to league action at some point this year.
There is no point in kidding supporters on. This is going to be a very difficult task for clubs at our level. Although government restrictions are starting to be eased from next week, a date for the resumption of the senior game even at Premiership level in Scotland is far from being confirmed as yet.
At League One and Two level, the major stumbling block to even considering the prospect of playing behind closed doors or with a restricted crowd figure is the medical costs that clubs would have to meet under current regulations.
All management and playing staff as a minimum requirement would at present require to be individually tested for the virus twice a week even on the resumption of training. The estimated cost between £3,000/£4,000 per week.
That is before one considers the paying of wages alongside all the weekly expenditure that clubs incur.
On the flip side, income streams are certain to be badly hit.
However although difficult decisions lie ahead for many clubs, the safety of all concerned has and always will be the main priority.
PLAYING SQUAD – As has been well documented only five of the current ‘Loons’ squad are contracted at present for next season. The manager has however been in discussion with other members of the player pool and progress may be possible after a meeting between the Directors and Stuart to discuss the way ahead next midweek.
A FINAL THOUGHT - Tonight many supporters, patrons, sponsors and friends of the club would have been in normal circumstances part of a capacity audience in the Reid Hall enjoying the 25th Annual Sportsman’s Dinner. We can only hope that twelve months on events of this nature indoors will be back on the calendar, but no guarantees can be given.
However, if you are one of the many missing out this evening raise a glass nevertheless in the comfort of your own home to FORFAR ATHLETIC FC. In fact, make it a large one!
As we all continue to assist with the move to win the battle against Coronavirus – stay safe and well.
