All connected with the ‘Loons’ have been delighted with the start that the team have made to their competitive season, a positive Premier Sports Cup campaign being followed by two successive league wins, then the victory over Formartine United in the first round of the SPFL Trust Trophy last night.
That win has set up a mouth watering second round clash at Starks Park against Raith Rovers. The tie is scheduled to be played during the first weekend of September, in all probability on Saturday the 4th, despite the fact Scotland have a home World Cup Qualifying tie in the evening, but we will bring you definite news on this front once confirmation is received.
We now look forward to the first ever visit on cinchleague2 business to Station Park this Saturday of Kelty Hearts for what on paper is a mouth watering clash.
As you will see below, we are delighted to bring you good news on at least four other fronts into the bargain.
CLUB SHOP
The Club Shop situated behind the east terracing within Station Park will re-open for business at this Saturday’sfixture.
It will be open prior to kick-off and again during the half time interval.
The recently launched new second choice playing kit will of course be available.
There will be limited entry in line with covid protocols and masks must be worn within the shop.
REFRESHMENT KIOSK
The refreshment kiosk situated on the north terracing will also re-open at this Saturday’s fixture with hot and cold food and drinks available.
This is another vital step in the road back to match day normality for both home and away fans at Station Park.
This means that access is now available to the north terracing from the east terracing up to the barriers that will be in place just to the west of the kiosk, which will restrict entry to the revised match day red zone.
Please note there will be no direct access to the kiosk from the west terracing due to restrictions on movement still in place, meaning a wee trek round the ground for your bridie, pie or bovri!
1984 LOUNGE
The Directors fully intend to have the 1984 Lounge facility open to supporters prior to kick-off and at the conclusion of the game at the home fixture against Stranraer on August 28th and obviously for the remainder of the campaign.
It will mean relocating a few other match day functions currently utilising the lounge, but club officials are confident these changes can be implemented over the next couple of weeks.
Full details of the exact opening times, track and trace requirements etc will be published well in advance of the fixture.
We know this news will be welcomed by many ‘Loons’ fans who enjoy a pre or after match refreshment on a regular basis within the lounge.
MATCH SPONSORSHIP/HOSPITALITY PACKAGES
Sadly as intimated previously we are still unable to process bookings for match sponsorship or hospitality.
The away team currently utilise all four lounges as their changing accommodation and to date the SFA/SPFL Joint Response Group have not relented on their demand for 2 metre social distancing in regard to these specific areas.
It does seem very strange when this requirement has been scrapped in almost all other avenues within the country including travel on public transport by both coach and train for example.
Meetings with the clubs have been set up by the national bodies for this week and we will keep all interested parties ‘in the loop’ as they say these days.
If the 2 metre demand looks likely to be continued for some time, although we obviously hope this will not be the case, Station Park officials have already set the ‘wheels in motion’ in regard to consideration of temporary structures, but of course if we go down that road, it has be financially viable and in line with planning regulations etc.
SEASON TICKETS
The Directors are delighted with the number of supporters who have purchased a season ticket.
Sales figures are 15% up on two seasons back, the last where a comparison is possible and are within reach of the number we achieved in the 2013/14 season when of course sales were boosted by the appearance within league two that campaign of a certain well known club from Scotland’s second city.
Back to the present and Athies supporters will have a last chance of in person purchase on Saturday morning of this week in the 1984 Lounge from 10.30a.m. to 11.30a.m.
Thereafter the tickets will continue to be available on line.
Forfar Athletic officials have as we have intimated previously tried as best we can over the past 18 months to keep supporters in touch with the club and it is a pleasure on this occasion to be in the main supplying good news stories.
C’mon the ‘Loons.’
