End of season thank you from the Chairman

Another season finished and although the disappointment of last weekend remains there has been a huge amount to take pride in on field and the work is already underway to build on that for the new season. 

I would like to put on record my thanks, and that of everyone behind the scenes at Station Park to our loyal supporters who turned out week in week out to back Gary and the team. It was not the easiest start to the season with covid restrictions still in place for many months, but you bought your season tickets in higher numbers than for many years, paid your admission fees and worked with us to comply with the regulations. This allowed football to get back underway in front of crowds which is what it is all about. It was wonderful to see you all back in Station Park and it was in fact quite emotional at those first few games to hear the shouts of support after the empty stand and terraces of the previous season. So, a huge thanks to you all for your support and we hope to see you all again in a few weeks’ time for the new campaign. 

On the subject of support, I would like to congratulate the Forfar Community Football Trust for encouraging the youngsters from the Forfar Farmington and Forfar Athletic Community Trust along to the games. Thanks also to the volunteers who brough Baxter the Bridie back to life! It was so good to see and hear them along with the other youngsters with their drums. They are the future supporters of the Club, and I am delighted they have been welcomed in their numbers. It is difficult to encourage youngsters (and us oldies at times!) to come away from the warmth of the house on a cold dreich day to watch Forfar Athletic, especially when at the flick of a switch you can be watching games from all over the world or playing in a match of your own on some device. Again, we hope all those involved enjoyed their visits to Station Park and will be keen to come back again next season.

There are large number of volunteers who help to make the Loons run on and outside of match day. Too many to name individually but I am incredibly grateful to you all for your support. We simply could not operate without those of you who work on the turnstiles, provide stewarding in the ground and at the stand door, first aid, housekeeping, and ensure the ground meets the safety criteria to allow the matches to go ahead. There were still a number covid related tasks required over the season and thanks go to our covid team for all their efforts with testing and making sure the Station Park facilities were safe for all. Thanks to members of the FAFC Media Team, those who make the tannoy announcements, provide medical and pastoral support, drive the kit van to training and matches, prepare and serve the hospitality, player and boardroom refreshments and generally make sure everyone is well looked after on match days. Thank you also to those who work as hosts in the hospitality lounges which allows us to benefit from the vital income from that part of our off-field work. Thank you also to the Supporter’s Club for all that they do to help raise funds for the Club including the 50-50 draw, refreshment kiosk and player sponsorship along with other fundraising activities. 

A special shout out to the hardy bunch of volunteers who gave up several hours on a freezing morning to clear the pitch ahead of the match vs Kelty Hearts in February. 

We are also fortunate to have a great group of local businesses and individuals who help the Club with a range of building and maintenance tasks behind the scenes – again too many to mention separately but this is important work to keep the ground in good shape. 

On the fundraising side thank you to the members of the Business Club and to everyone who took out an advertising hoarding, sponsored a match or took a hospitality package. In addition, thank you to those who purchased lottery tickets, Wall of Fame bricks and plaques, supported the Club Shop, visited the 1984 Lounge, attended the recent football quiz, bought shares, or made a donation to the Club. All of this is much appreciated income to keep the Club competing in these challenging times. We are delighted to get back to some other fundraising events in the coming months with our first tribute act, The Jersey Notes, in some time playing in the Lounge next Friday(still some tickets available!).

Of course, we have also had excellent backing from our main sponsor Orchard Timber Products for a 16th season which is tremendous. Thank you to Scott, Stuart, and Kevin for their continued support. Also thank you to other kit and van sponsors – Graham Pest Control, Graham Hygiene Services, Alpha Projects, Hunters the Jewellers and AM Phillip Trucktech. 

On to the playing side we have an excellent manager in Gary Irvine, with an exceptionally hard-working team of coaches in Scott Robertson, Gary Harkins, Wayne Henderson, and Mark Farrell. It has been a pleasure working with them over the last season. The work tirelessly making sure every detail is in place for training and games and have given everything to get the results on the pitch and make it a very enjoyable season. I am greatly appreciative of all their support and hard work. 

Also, a massive thank you to the players for their efforts. They are a great bunch – positive and approachable - and all have worked hard this season especially dealing with the covid testing. Although that was at times a daily chore, they complied with the requirements without (too much!) complaint and allowed the football to continue. As a Club we are well-known for looking after our players - doing out utmost to make them feel welcome and valued. We supply food for them before and after games and make sure they are looked after with any medical needs. Due to our geographical position we need to attract players from the central belt and beyond and we therefore must work hard to provide a great environment to encourage them to travel distances for training and games. Thank you to those players who are moving on – we have enjoyed having you at the Club and to those who are with us next season we look forward to watching you represent the Loons once again. 

I would also like to thank the backroom team who do so much to support the manager and make sure the team is fit and ready to play this includes Lara Jordan the Club Physio and Jane Crawford the Club Doctor. Thank you also to those who have stepped in to help us on the medical side this season. Last but certainly not least thank you to our Groundsman and Kitman Martin Gray who never stops working for the Loons. Day in day out he can be found at the park taking care of all the things which need dealt with to keep things in good order.

A final thanks you to my fellow Directors who put in a power of work not only on match day but on so many other days to ensure the smooth running of the Club. I am hugely grateful to each of them for their hard work, expertise and for all the support they have given me over the season. 

As we look towards the new season there will news to follow about fixtures, season tickets and the numerous ways you can help the Club on and outside of match days. We will also keep you up to date on new signings and other squad news as the weeks unfold. 

Scott Murdie 

Chairman
Forfar Athletic FC