October Award for Gary

The Club has received further good news on the awards front this week with manager Gary Irvine named the October cinch League 2 Manager of the Month Award – Presented by Glen’s Vodka.

During October Gary led the team to two league wins against Annan Athletic and Stranraer and a draw with Stenhousemuir which saw the Loons move up to second spot in the league table. Away from league duty Gary and the team also secured a win at Formartine United in the second round of the Scottish Cup. 

Club Chairman Scott Murdie was delighted to see Gary recognised. "Gary’s award is very well deserved," remarked Scott. "He is meticulous in everything he does and has his management techniques down to a fine art. He is very professional and thoughtful in every aspect of the game. From the way he manages the players, the work he puts into training, matches and away trips and how he undertakes his media duties, he is first rate. On behalf of my fellow Directors I would like to congratulate Gary and to say how much we all enjoy working with him."

Gary, while happy to receive this recognition, was quick to share the success. “I am delighted to be recognised in this way after our run of form," he said. "But for me this award is for the whole of Forfar Athletic Football Club, it just happens to be my name on it. The support I have received from the Directors, staff, players, club sponsors and not least of all the Forfar supporters has been tremendous. Everyone has played a part and it’s great for our collective hard work to be acknowledged.”

Gary was formally appointed manager in May 2021 following a few games as interim manager at the end of the 2020/21 season. He quickly showed his calibre and range of contacts bringing in Tony Docherty to assist in the latter stages of last season. 

With Scott Robertson and Gary Harkins by his side, Gary assembled a strong squad over the summer and his attention to detail and professional approach has impressed everyone at Station Park.

“I was appointed manager back in May at a difficult time with the club at the foot of the table," he commented. "Obviously, I was disappointed not to save us from relegation, but I had superb support over the summer from the Board to put together a strong squad. It was also key that I could bring in Scott Robertson as Assistant Manager and Gary Harkins as First Team Coach. Along with the rest of my backroom team - Wayne, Mark, Lara and Martin - they have been working tirelessly every day to support me. I appreciate their contributions and as I said this is very much a shared award.”

Gary was also keen to thank the Forfar supporters for their backing, saying “Last season was difficult for everyone but mostly for the supporters. To have them back at Station Park is brilliant, and I know that the match day atmosphere has helped us get positive results.  I’m really grateful for their backing at home matches but especially on the road. In October we had three away fixtures out of the four and several supporters travelled many miles across the country to watch us. Again, this support is not only appreciated by me and the squad but has played a vital part in our success.”

Joining the Loons as a player in February 2019 Gary has made 74 appearances and although now in the manager's seat he is still part of the playing squad. “We’ve been working hard as a group all season but in recent weeks we’ve managed to turn draws into wins and move up the table," he said. "That’s not just down to me but to the talent and determination of my players.  It is a fantastic dressing room.  I’ve told them that they’ve given me sleepless Friday nights picking the team for the Saturday. It is one of the toughest parts of being a manager having to leave out guys who have performed well at training and in matches but that depth in the squad means the standards are rising across the whole group. Again, it is down to their collective effort that I’ve received this award.”

Speaking on behalf of the players, Club Captain, Ross Meechan was not surprised to hear about the recognition for his gaffer. "This award is well deserved," said Ross. "It's been earned by the gaffer and his staff through a lot of hard work.  The amount of work and detail he puts in to training and matches is remarkable and it comes as no surprise that he’s getting success. Training is very enjoyable and all the players give their all for him on a match day. From the starting eleven to the subs he is getting the most out of the boys - that comes from his excellent man management. Gary is also a great teammate. The transition from being a teammate to being a manager is always difficult but the gaffer has made it look easy. I’ve loved playing and working for him as have all the boys. It’s been a very enjoyable season so far and long may it continue!"

Finally Gary had a word of praise for fellow award winner, Craig Thomson on winning the cinch League Two Player of the Month for October. “It’s great for Forfar that our successes have been recognised with the double award," he remarked. "Craig really deserves the player award; he’s been excellent not just last month but from the start of the season he’s shown very good performances. But it must have been a hard choice as there are at least two or three players from my squad who could have been selected due to their tremendous efforts during the month."

Everyone at Station Park would like to congratulate Gary on this very well deserved award.