Programme notes from today’s game against Elgin City…
INSIDE THE BOX
A very warm welcome to everyone associated with Elgin City as they make their second visit in a week to Forthbank, following last Saturday’s successful foray in the Scottish Cup against Stirling University.
After over a year of unsettling events surrounding the club, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to report on a number of highly positive things that have happened / are happening, both on and off the pitch. To do justice to the positives, I’d need to go way outside the box, so my apologies in advance for those I’ve overlooked and/or the brevity of detail re those highlighted.
Turning first to footballing matters, the appointment of Kevin Rutkiewicz and his subsequent appointment of Martin Hardie as his assistant, have been the breath (hurricane?!) of fresh air that has given everyone – including and especially our supporters – the lift that was sorely needed. Whilst the initial reaction to Kevin’s appointment was cool, primarily due to his “visible” lack of management experience, he has undoubtedly made his mark by his actions in the relatively short period since his appointment. No one, least of all me, is making any wild claims about what the future holds but I have no doubt we have appointed the right person to give us the best possible chance of success.
On the business side, the recent appointment of Colin Rowley to the Club Board is a huge step in the right direction. His passion for, and commitment to, Stirling Albion, combined with his energy, enthusiasm, business acumen and contacts make him the ideal person to drive forward (and upward) our commercial activities (and revenue).
With the Club Board back on an even keel and our relationship with the Trust Board going from strength to strength, the foundations are firmly in place to enable further progress behind the scenes. Both the Trust and Club Boards are keen to expand by adding personnel who possess the right mix of skills, boundless energy and, above all, the best interests of the Club at heart. Why not get in touch for a no-obligation informal chat, if you feel you could potentially deliver on those criteria? I’d be delighted to hear from you through the normal channels as advertised on the Club Website.
Returning to football, the Club Board are fully committed to supporting Kevin in any and every way possible, as he pushes ahead with our shared target of making the promotion play-offs. Although there’s a distance to be covered to achieve that, there is all but two thirds of the season left to deliver. Fasten your seat belt, we’re going on a journey!
Finally, on behalf of myself and my family, I’d like to personally thank everyone who has supported us throughout the past year (and hopefully continuing!!); it is hugely comforting to know that we have that support and respect from the huge majority of those who genuinely care about Stirling Albion Football Club.
Stuart Brown
SAFC Chairman
