I hope this note finds everyone in good health and encouraged by the prospect of a return to football in the near future.
Undoubtably it has been a challenging time for the whole country. Thankfully, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. The dedication shown by our health care professionals and other key workers over the last few months has been inspiring. Personal sacrifice and adherence to the lockdown rules by the public has seen the impact of the COVID-19 virus reduce greatly. We must not, however, abandon the disciplines we have got used to as we gradually re-open society and sporting activities start up again.
Although the club has stringent health and safety procedures for players and staff to put in place, there is an excitement building as we gear up for the new season. Head Coach Ray MacKinnon has been carefully building his squad. David Galt and Wullie Muir have re-signed from last year’s squad, and I was delighted we were able to secure the services of striker Bob McHugh from Championship side Greenock Morton. Just yesterday, we were also able to announce the signing from Queen of the South of defender Lee Kilday. Look out for news of further signings as the new season kicks off in October.
The redevelopment work at Lesser Hampden is underway and is both exciting and a challenge. It is exciting to see work commence, and we can at last start to envisage what our new home will look like. Moving away from our National Stadium home also brings into sharp focus the commercial realities of no longer owning “big Hampden”.
As a club, we must enhance our commercial operations. You no doubt will have seen several innovative fund-raising schemes being promoted by clubs over the last few months. Our transition to a full-time professional club means we must maximise our own commercial opportunities. I hope as many members and supporters as possible will get behind us as we launch some exciting initiatives soon. Building a financially viable club depends on us all playing our part, where we can.
Gerry Crawley
President,
Queen’s Park FC