Building a brighter, better future for football in Galashiels and sport in the Borders as a whole.
That is what Gala Fairydean Rovers’ newly-instated vice-chairman Derek McGill believes his recently merged club can achieve and, indeed, he is backed up by all who are housed at Netherdale’s 3G Arena.
“What a message to send out,” he added. “We now have unity and a defined player pathway designed to get kids playing through to the highest levels possible.
“As for the Lowland League. What a platform to work on and showcase the talent we have in Galashiels.”
At the annual general meeting of Gala Fairydean FC in the Netherdale clubrooms last Friday, the proposed merger was unanimously agreed. And, along with a new name, comes a new committee. Kevin Temple, current coach co-ordinator at Gala Dean Junior FC, is chairman, replacing Jim Gray who also decided to stand down after filling the role for the past 12 weeks. Gray has accepted the position of honorary president.
Others appointed as office bearers for season 2013-14 are: secretary, Graeme McIver; treasurer, Susan Swan; match secretary, Robert Fairburn; committee, Darren Bunker, Steven Noble, Bruce Noble, Tam Cass, Shane Greene, Alan Allison, Adam McClory, Mike Riddell, Fred Blackie and Paul Gray.
After many years of service to the Fairydean committee, John Clayton and Bill Berry decided to stand down and the club thanked them for their outstanding contributions.
Steven Noble will coach the first team, who start their season in the Lowland League on August 10.
The former Gala Rovers boss has already signed brother Stuart, Kyle Collins, Paul Hossack, Andrew Hardie and Ryan Grant, and is hoping to add a few more in the coming week.
Kevin Matheson will manage the GFR amateur team with Colin Riddle and Scott Mackenzie assisting.
The amateurs team will remain in the Border Amateur League and will travel to Peebles for their first game to face Tweeddale Rovers in the quarter-final of the Border Cup, also on August 10.