Author: Broxburn

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Continue reading “New arrival at The Albyn”

Christopher Townsley has asked and he readily accepted a place on the management staff of Broxburn Athletic in the shape of Jack Beesley . Jack is a very experienced player and will be part of the pool on match days .Jack will bring his coaching experience’s to the club and is a very popular guy with the rest of the squad and has already pointed out several target’s to enhance the playing squad at the Albyn Park .We wish him well in his new role and hope like Chris he can move the club forward in the coming season’s .

Broxburn Athletic would like to thank all of you who have continued to donate money during these hard times to our Friends of Broxburn account . This is very much appreciated and welcomed in these hard times for all . To you’s who have increased your contributions and indeed our new friends of Broxburn we are truly grateful .Also since the Key Draw was suspended supporter’s have donated their stakes to the club through this form and again we are grateful . Hopefully this situation will resolve sooner rather than later and we can all get back to doing our favourite things .In the meantime be save and once more we thank you .

It is with regret that Brian McNaughton has decided to step down as team manager .We would like to thank Brian for his effort’s over the past few years and wish him well for the future . Once we knew of Brian’s decision we moved swiftly to offer Christopher Townsley the post vacated .He has accepted the job and has been preparing the past season for a position on the staff ,we wish him every success in his new role at the club ,Chris will appoint his backroom staff in due course   Steven Hislop has also decided after Brian’s decision it was time to step down as coach .Once again we thank Steven for his invaluable input during his time at the Albyn Park . As you will see on social media both have left on amicable terms and have both stated how much they had enjoyed their time here and commented on the club ,we thank them for their parting words .They thanked the club, committee and supporter’s for giving them 100% backing in what ever they needed and done and wish Chris all the best in the role ..

As I write this it’s been 53 days since our victory in Coldstream , I don’t think many of us that day could have quite imagined where we would be today ; nearly all world football stopped , the UK , along with other countries , in lockdown for over a month with no end confirmed and worst of all nearly 200,000 people have now sadly passed away after contracting Covid-19 .As club chaplain I’ve had limited opportunity to do what I’m here to do .No training during the week and no match days has wiped out almost all opportunities to see you all ; players ,committee , volunteers and fans .

As our league season has now come to a close , we should take this opportunity to take stock of what we have and to reflect on recent times . I’m sure the memories of this season will last for a long time , continued progress for the club both on the field and off the field , our first season in the new East of Scotland Premier Division which would have ended in a strong challenge for the league title and of course our incredible Scottish Cup run  . It has been great to see that the community spirit that was around the club during that run has continued throughout Broxburn  and the surrounding areas as people have joined together in the fight against Covid-19 .

A few months ago , social media was rife of people commenting on how bad society had become and how their trust in community had failed , but the response to the outbreak has , for the vast , vast majority , been fantastic  . People have rallied round those who need the most support and poured out their praise to those in the frontline helping the country to continue as best it can . I would encourage you all to reach out to anyone you know in these roles and ask  how they are doing , and say thanks . It’s a tough time for those in frontline roles , putting themselves at risk every time they go to work . They deserve our thanks .

We have also started to adjust to a new way of life wether it is working from home  , not being able to work , home schooling while working , the list goes on . For each of you I’d ask you to take a minute to take stock of what you’ve achieved in this time  , even if it is just a case of keep going and surviving day to day . The lockdown will end , and although we don’t know when it will be , we can all look forward to that first game on the new surface at the Albyn Park . It’s been 115 days since we last played there and I’m sure your all as desperate to get back there as I am .

Finally on a personal note , I hope you are all ok . By now I’m sure most of us know people who have contracted the virus and in some of those case the outcome will have been final  . It’s easy to go numb to the numbers , and that can make this time easier to deal with , but to all of you who have experienced family or friends suffering from Covid-19 my thoughts and prayers are with you .

I’m always here if you need someone to chat to .

God bless and see you soon

Chaplain Andrew McPherson

Following the request that East of Scotland Football League clubs vote, last week , on a board proposal to end the season prematurely , the EOSFL informed us of the outcome this afternoon  , and the proposal was carried overwhelmingly .

The second part of the vote was to award points per game averages , which resulted in Boness United being crowned champions of the Central Taxi’s East of Scotland Premier League and no relegation  . We congratulate our friends at Boness United on their achievement . We must express our disappointment at such a competitive league season not being played to a close ,with not only ourselves , but other clubs still in touching distance of the league leaders .We do respect the decision given the current situation .

Next season the premier league will be increased for one season  to 18 with Lothianthistlehutchievale and Tynecastle being promoted .If Boness United gain entry to the Lowland league the third best conference side will be promoted.

Next season relegation will return the Premier League  to 16 teams for season 2020/2021 .

Everybody in the football family realise that the game is given perspective with family and friends losing loved ones and becoming seriously ill . Our hearts go out to all who have suffered during these testing times  . Not only with the virus but the effects of the lockdown restrictions with family and friends not able to mix or indeed be afforded the chance to say farewell to anyone who have sadly passed away .

The future remains uncertain as to when football will return , but in the meantime , please stay safe and well . If anyone requires help , please do contact the club . As you support us , we will support you .

Thank you  JIm