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Of The Loons
A year has now passed since taking up the position as Forfar Athletic Chairman on the departure of Ross Graham. It was never my intention to become Chairman when joining as a director back in 2015 but here we are and I wanted to thank everyone for their support over the last 12 months.
The role of Chairman is a difficult and intense position at any time, but to take the role on in the middle of a pandemic creates its own pressure and difficulties. We didn’t have a rule book for this; I couldn’t ask any ex-Chairmen as they hadn’t experienced a full season of this either, but what I did have was the expertise and trust of my fellow Directors. Meeting after meeting Covid would be the first item on the agenda. Unfortunately, it still is and it looks like it will be for the foreseeable future.
Forfar Athletic is a very highly respected club throughout Scottish football, a Club which always looks after its management and players to the best of our ability. As a Club we welcome players and appreciate the time they spend away from wives, partners, children, parents, wider family, and friends. To miss out on functions, celebrations, and weekends away for the love of football is a huge commitment. I take my hat off to all of those who do this, for example leaving Glasgow at 7am to play in Elgin and not getting back home again until after 9pmis a huge ask for anyone. Training twice a week as well, up and down the road in all weathers shows great commitment. I give credit to all our players, management, coaching and backroom staff who do this.
Unfortunately, the management team that I acquired when taking on the role of Chairman decided to move on towards the end of last season as things had not worked out as we all had hoped. I have great respect for all of them and know it was a difficult decision with them all being ‘Loons Legends’. This of course gave me and the Board of Directors another difficult scenario to work through. We had more nights of meetings (by zoom which is never the best) and we quickly agreed to approach Gary to ask if he would take the team for the remainder of the games. Unfortunately, despite real signs of progress we were relegated to League 2 at the end of the season.
As ever when the managerial position comes up at Forfar we were inundated with suitable applicants. After a rigorous process Gary was selected as the most suitable from the other candidates. We knew and respected Gary as a player and as an individual and at his interview he excelled himself with a detailed and insightful presentation. Immediately after his appointment, Gary started to build his backroom staff and brought in two strong knowledgeable individuals in Scott (Robertson) and Gary (Harkins). We were all delighted that Gary was able to retain Wayne (Henderson) and Mark (Farrell) who bring some much to the Club.
As ever at the end of a season players move on to pastures new while others remain. That’s just how the game goes. We always wish those moving on the best of luck and hope they have enjoyed their time at Station Park. Gary and his staff have recruited well bringing in talented individual characters to the Club, many of whom have had experience at a much higher level. The Club are delighted at how well captain Ross Meechan and the players have performed over the last few weeks playing some good entertaining football which has been very pleasant on the eye. It is early days yet, but I wish them all the best for the season.
Behind the scenes we just wouldn’t have a team some weeks if it wasn’t for the tremendous work which Lara the Club’s physio puts in, supported by Dr Jane Crawford on match day as the Club’s Doctor. With Covid we have had to put in place numerous protocols and a huge debt of gratitude goes to Alan Shepherd who was until recently our hard-working Covid Officer and his team of volunteers. The reins have now been handed over to Alice Murray who also supervises the multiple weekly testing sessions. Thanks to Iain Reid our Safety Officer and stewards for making sure we can play our matches in front of supporters. Of course, I need to mention our groundsman, kit man and generally any job which needs done man, Martin for his dedication to the Loons which always goes above and beyond. Week in week out there are many other individuals who turn up at Station Park to complete their tasks from ensuring the players are fed after matches and training, keeping Station Park and the kit in good order, driving the kit van to matches and training, working on the turnstiles, selling 50-50s, working in the Refreshment Kiosk and the 1984 Lounge bar, and ensuring supporters are kept up to date through the various Club media platforms. I am sure I will have missed out some areas so please forgive me and know that without all this amazing support it would be impossible to function as a Club and for that I thank each and every one of you.
Away from the pitch life has been very difficult for the Club, with no hospitality, bar monies or functions over the last eighteen months. Thankfully we hope that we are about to turn the corner on that one and start bringing in some much-needed funds. It is wonderful to see the 1984 Lounge open again, and we look forward to welcoming our hospitality guests back in a few weeks. At this point we are unsure if we will get the Ladies Dinner or the Sportsman’s Dinner this next year, two of our biggest earners in our calendar year. We have every intention to get our tribute nights and party nights going again if we are permitted to do so moving forward. Our season ticket sales are well up on the last few seasons for that I thank our loyal supporters as well as those who have purchased shares and Lotto tickets. We again have Orchard Timber Products as our main sponsor along with many others who sponsor the strips and our kit van. We have also had a good take up on our advertising hoardings around the pitch side again a huge thanks to all. We have been trying to improve the stand this season by repairing the roof and painting the outside ( as supporters will have seen on social media). All these things cost the Club but at the same time it’s important to try and keep things tidy and improve the look of the ground. We have been extremely fortunate to have assistance from supporters and local businesses for these projects and again I would like to thank everyone who helps us on the ground maintenance front.
As a Club and as Chairman I am blessed to have such a dedicated team of Directors who give up so much of their time in a voluntary role for the Club. You will all be aware that David has decided to take a step back as Club Secretary with Alan taking on the role, my vice chairman Alastair who as always gives me so much support. My thanks go to Director/Treasurer, Raymond for his expertise on the financial side of things, Louise who looks after the Club shop and Club media, Paul who sees to ground works and John who has taken on the Business Club to name but one of his chores. Without the above-mentioned Directors behind me there is no way I could have and wouldn’t have taken on the role.
My last but probably the most important thanks go to my partner Lesley who has to listen to all that’s concerning me, how do we sort this out, what can we do here. We sometimes can’t come up with the answer but its shared and for that I am so grateful.
I am looking forward to the remainder of the season. I trust you will all join me and wish Gary and the team all the best.
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