Our final match of last season at home against Troon proved to be what could be considered a seismic shock to the future of our club. At a meeting we had with the management team the week before the Troon match, it quickly became clear that the increased budget being put forward by them was far and beyond what the club could realistically afford. It is the duty of the Committee as custodians of the club , to protect its future survival by not committing to any unrealistic financial burdens and risks and regrettably , it was mutually agreed that the management team of Duncan Sinclair, Tam Mclaughlin and Jamie Sandilands would depart the club and that their last game would be against Troon.
The 7-0 lost to Troon proved to be a huge disappointment not only because of the resounding defeat but from the attitude of the players on the pitch.
Those of you who attended the game will have recognised the stark contrast in attitude between the players that day and that of the current squad who may lack experience but who cannot be criticised for any lack of hard work and effort.
When the process of recruiting a new management team began , all of the then playing staff intimated they would be moving on.
Following the selection process , fully qualified coach Derek Holmes was appointed manager with former Larkhall resident Brian Crawford who has extensive playing and coaching history at our level as his assistant.
With a very limited window to recruit what turned out to be a completely new squad , some very nasty and erroneous stories were being spread across social media and other circles that Larkhall Thistle had failed to meet their financial commitments to players and coaching staff for season 2017/2018.Various players approached by Derek and Brian expressed concern they would not be paid fees agreed at the time of signing and this made an extremely challenging task even more difficult to fulfil.
The club would like to state quite categorically that no – one departed Gasworks Park after the Troon debacle being owed any money.
In the 21st. century , junior football operates in a very difficult and more challenging financial environment than in the past. Having to comply with the financial demands of government bureaucracy and legislation considerable burdens are being placed on all junior clubs. However as owners of Gasworks Park we have the additional burden this requires and unlike other clubs in our area who do not own the ground they play at and are able to use the majority of their finances to reward players.
Derek and Brian are working hard to improve the playing squad and we will continue to provide our full support to their efforts to advance our position in what is a very competitive league . The ongoing support from fans is an important factor in any teams success and we welcome and thank you all for this valuable support and the encouragement you give the team on matchdays.
We would like to express our continued thanks to our sponsors, advertisers and local businesses and everyone who supports the club.
In conclusion we rely on unpaid volunteers who form the Officials and committee of Larkhall Thistle Football Club.
There is no doubt from positive and negative activity across social media that there exists a passion for the club and a warm welcome awaits anyone who would like to channel that positive passion into becoming directly involved with the club in any voluntary capacity that will enable us to compete in the world that is fast becoming Scottish Non League football.
I hope this statement rectifies some of the misleading information in recent circulation and shows the club’s gratitude for the many forms of support it receives. Should any further clarification of matters be required please get in touch with me when I will be more than happy to provide this. I can be contacted before or after any match in the first instance.
Chris Lenson – President Larkhall Thistle.