Club Update

As most will be aware the First Minister gave the first and very pleasing hint in Parliament on Thursday of last week that a limited number of spectators may be allowed at outdoor sporting events come mid-September.

It has to be emphasised that this is not a certainty at this juncture, but we all live in hope.    It was certainly obvious to all and commented on by many who were lucky enough to be in attendance that the one ingredient that was so sadly missing at the opening Premiership fixtures over the weekend was the fans.

At our own level, following Ms Sturgeon’s comments, it has brought a few more enquiries about the availability of season tickets for the campaign ahead, no doubt also fuelled by some reports in the press over the weekend that entry to games initially will be restricted to season ticket holders.    It has to be said that although this may well end up being the case, it has never even been mooted or discussed in any official talks ‘Loons’ officials have been involved in through the auspices of the SPFL.

However, the season ticket situation will be high on the agenda at a scheduled meeting of the Forfar Athletic Directors now that the fixtures are to hand on Thursday of this week and a further update will be issued.

The situation with regard to match sponsorship and hospitality at games is a much more complex situation.   As previously stated, social distancing will in all probability be still a major factor in all our lives come October, while it is a strong possibility that the stringent measures that are at the moment in force to allow an SPFL fixture to commence could involve some of the lounges in the complex being utilised for alternative matchday functions.

This situation will also be on the agenda for Thursday evening’s Board Meeting.

On the bright side, today sees another little bit of normality return to Station Park.

This evening will see the weekly draw for the Loons Lottery return having last taken place in early March.    Of course, if the £2,500 prize up for grabs is won it will, in fact, be the last draw of this old club institution.   Watch this space.

On another front, this morning our Groundsman/Kitman Martin Gray returned to full time working at Station Park, having been originally on full and then part-time furlough since March 27^th.