02/05/2020
Update from The President.
I’m going to be positive and upbeat in this unprecedented and challenging time for us all and in particular Scottish Football. No one can forecast what is going to happen or when football will be played again, nor what the ‘new normal’ may be, but we at Musselburgh Athletic FC are working to be prepared for any probable outcome. Here are a few matters that may be of interest to you all.
Let me assure you that the Club is strong, the Committee resolute, the manager working hard at signing the players (existing and new faces) that he believes will IMPROVE the team (Geordie has had many enquiries from players). Undoubtedly, we will lose one or two from last year’s squad and new faces will appear and others come and go, but ultimately we agree a squad of 18/19 players to start the season based upon our existing players will be sufficient to improve our performance and league standing and be both an attractive side, challenging for silverware.
The Committee, assisted by the ‘Burgh Foundation, Football Card and Bonus Ball draws are ensuring that we maintain a positive balance in the Club funds and pay our bills. I make no apology when I say how big a task this is and how important it is to ensure we get off to a good start when football returns – it’s a big ask. The Club needs to remain sustainable and live within its means. We have the capacity within our conurbation to grow the Club, build the support, increase the revenue and continuously improve the squad and facilities at Olivebank. I plan to be ambitious, work hard to add more quality advertisers, sponsors and generate Club revenue whilst rebuilding the trust and links with our local organisations and communities.
Your ideas, views, opinions and support are vital in this. The Club now requires to grow its ‘off the field’ team. We particularly require new faces around on match day at Olivebank and to assist with the fund raising and administration at the Club, with a few more hands to keep the stadium in the best condition we can. Please consider volunteering and supporting the Club.
There are two really priority matters to inform you of the progress of: firstly, the floodlight project – be assured that this will be commencing asap. There may be a few weeks’ delay from the original start date in June that we planned. These floodlights (including a bespoke Public Address system and a state of the art CCTV system) are a quality deal and all will meet the requirement of SFA Licencing and beyond. It will also allow Olivebank to be utilised (when appropriate) for use by suitable community groups.
Because we had to cancel/postpone the remaining 5 fund raising events that we had planned, we have decided to go ahead when and where we can in line with whatever regulations are imposed upon us. The Clubs AGM in June may also be delayed for a few weeks.
Secondly, SFA Membership and Licensing. Apart from the floodlight project, the Vice President is gradually working his way through the outstanding requirements regarding fixed goal posts, dedicated first aid room, disabled parking, signage and the like. There is still much to do to have the ground and Club competent, to be considered for Licensing in February 2021. We can and will ensure that it is all done – with the assistance of all!
Thank you all for your support in recent weeks, this is not only a challenging and unprecedented time in the history of Musselburgh Athletic FC, but it could be sometime before the ‘new normal’ appears in the Football world! Meantime, I shall ensure that your Club Committee and football team carry on planning for a quick return to training/playing football as soon as the starting pistol goes off! We have many positives to look forward to, including a Scottish FA Cup Qualifying tie!
The Club website, social media pages and 1934 Club members are being updated with what’s happening at Olivebank, however, should you require any further information please contact myself directly or any Committee member and we will do what we can to assist.
Best wishes to you all. Keep safe.
Karl Cleghorn
Club President
07977 544194
[email protected]
2 May 2020
