As we move into this exciting new era with a fresh season just upon us we wanted to give you an update on what’s happened and what the short term future holds.
Pat and the club have been working hard over the closed season period and are delighted to be in a strong position having retained key players as well as adding experience and quality as the boys returned to training last week.
The squad currently looks like this:
GK - Neil Mitchell – The Swifts
GK - Ruaridh MacDonald – contract extension
GK - Iain Ure – contract extension
Tony Coutts – contract extension
Kyle Ewing – contract extension
Shaun Brown – contract extension
Gregor Fotheringham – contract extension
Jack Hodge – contract extension
Aaron Macalpine – contract extension
Euan McGill – University of Stirling
Daniel Watt – Transfer from Cowdenbeath
Ynyr Liddell – The Swifts
Jamie Thomson – University of Stirling
Jamie Pyper – Berwick Rangers
Lewis Hynd – The Swifts
Owen Ronald – St Cadocs
Offers were made to a few others from last season’s squad who were out of contract but they have decided their future is elsewhere. Having been at the club for several years and both being under 23 years old the club secured good development fees for both Dean Watson and Ross Connelly.
We would like to thank both Bonnyrigg Rose and Albion Rovers for their part in the negotiations and good luck to both players for the season ahead.
Niyah Joseph was also offered a new deal but again decided his future lay elsewhere and we wish him all the best and thank him for his goals last season.
We offered the opportunity to return for pre-season to a number of our young players whom Pat and his back-room team hadn’t had a chance to see in action. Marc Sludden, Marc Allan and Kai Wilson have all decided to move on and look for regular football at other clubs so won’t be returning. The club wishes them all well for the season ahead.
Dave McKay who unfortunately was injured for most of last season has been offered training and rehab facilities once able to return after his operation. We hope to see Dave back on the field as soon as possible.
It was great to see young Scott Honeyman deservedly earn a professional contract with Falkirk FC after his outstanding performances for us last season and we hope he continues to flourish in the season ahead.
Thanks go to all the players who left us at the end of last season, and we wish them well. Tyler Denholm, Connor Greene Andy Kay, Jamie Kirkpatrick, Harvey Moyes, Griffin Sabatini, Bright Prince and Kyle Connolly.
Pat and his backroom team have a few additions to add over the next few weeks to what already looks like a good solid squad and we also are looking forward to welcoming some loan players to bolster our 2023/24 laying squad.
Come along to our first friendly of the season at Holm Park Yoker on Saturday 1st July to see the boys take on a strong West of Scotland Premier side in Clydebank FC who are managed by ex-Shire player Gordon Moffat and also feature Nicky Low amongst their ranks.
There's also exciting times ahead as our new kit launch is only just around the corner, with a unique design entwinning the history and new vision of the club, we really can't wait to share this with you. Along with this our new club shop with lots of new merchandise pending, definitely worth keeping your eyes peeled!
With the current climate in mind and with community and supporters being the foundation of which the club is built, we are delighted to start the new era by reducing season ticket prices by almost 25% making it affordable for families, friends and community members to support their club. Sales are going well, but more can still be done, please follow link for season tickets below #jointheshirejourney and lets bring the community together.
We have new sponsorship announcements imminent and we would like to thank sponsors from last season for their support and would love for them to continue to be part of the new era. There is still plenty of commercial opportunities available please follow link to brochure 1c530d_76ffde1503c64e50a0b5008f8623445e.pdf (es-fc.co.uk)
As always volunteers are the heartbeat of the club and we would like to take the opportunity to thank them for all their hard work last season and their continued support for this coming season we couldn't be where we are today without you!
Workhorse Generation have come on board to support the community arm of the club and have already done some incredible work within two local primary schools, Bantaskin and Hallgelen with club community Director Fraser, first team Manager Pat Scullion and our new central defender Jamie Pyper all in attendance. We also want to say a huge thank you to the supporters who volunteered at the Tour de Forth marshalling and representing the club. The club are really excited to be building its community engagement arm and you will see a lot more new initiative and community support as the season goes on.
There are a number of initiatives being launched, one being support a supporter, this is an opportunity for supporters to help the community- please follow link for more info Support a Supporter | East Stirlingshire Football Club (es-fc.co.uk)
The foundation of this club and the vision for the future is based on its supporters, its community, tomorrows generation and the need for environmental impact. This direction being taken is a long term sustainable model which preserves the future and the long history of the club. “Just because it is doesn’t, doesn’t mean it should be” and we want to ensure we do the best for all involved in Scottish football.
The above can only be achieved by uniting as one and standing up for what is right by delivering up on the clubs vision and uniting together.
With our new club website created and with updates and content being added weekly, we would like to thank our club historian Drummond for his dedication along with the hard work he has been doing behind the scenes and this continues to record and educate all to our club history.
Bring on the new season and we cant wait to join you on the terraces soon.
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