IRVINE TIMES CUP FINAL
Kilwinning Rangers 2
Auchinleck Talbot 1
(At Beechwood Park, Auchinleck
on Friday 11th May 2001)
Daily Record (25/04/2001)
FOOTBALL: KILWINNING
NEAR END OF THE ROAD
JUNIOR giants Kilwinning
Rangers are staring into the abyss after they were ordered to pay sacked
manager Bobby Dickson almost pounds 6000.
Despite him leading the
Abbey Park club to an unparalleled six major trophies - including the OVD
Scottish Junior Cup - during their centenary year in 1999, Dickson was
sacked near the end of last season.
When he announced he was taking the club to an industrial tribunal, chairman Allan McLuckie said he would walk away from Abbey Park if he was ordered to pay his former manager any compensation.
And following news that the Glasgow-based tribunal has awarded Dickson, who is now working as reserve-team coach with Queen of the South, pounds 5,945 as compensation for loss of earnings, McLuckie confirmed he has had enough.
He said: "It's the final straw. For the past six months I've been personally financing this club but I won't give them a penny more.
"I played for Buffs as a young man and always said I wanted to put something back into the club and the community.
"But I never intended to get dragged into tribunal appearances and corporate legislation when I decided to get involved again."
Committee members were called to an emergency meeting last night to discuss the situation but there is no doubt the club will fold if the chairman quits.
McLuckie, the multi millionaire managing director of Fullarton Computer Industries, one of Ayrshire's biggest employers, said: "Dickson has opened up a can of worms for everyone connected with juniors but he won't be getting any money out of me or the club.
"I'm quitting and, unless some white knight comes, it's the end of Kilwinning ."
Juniors say yes to Central link-up
AYRSHIRE junior football
clubs have agreed to link up with their Central League counterparts to
form a new West of Scotland League.
Backing for the move came
at last week's AJFA monthly meeting where clubs voted unanimously - the
first time a proposal for change has ever received total approval - in
favour of the scheme.
Under the proposals,
the top six from both the Ayrshire and Central Leagues would form a Premier
League at the start of season 2002/03.
The next eight from the
Central and four from Ayrshire would play in a First Division.
Remaining clubs would play
in their own district leagues, in Ayrshire's case of division of 13 clubs.
Promotion and relegation
would be two up, two down between the Premier and the First Division.
The bottom two teams from
the First Division will be relegated with the winners of the
Ayrshire League and Central League promoted.
A delegation from Ayrshire
will now discuss the plan with Central League officials, and if -
as expected - it receives approval, it will be voted on at an extraordinary
general meeting held by the SJFA prior to the AGM in June.
A proposal from Kilbirnie
secretary Davie Gardner to postpone reconstruction plans for the Ayrshire
leagues was not even debated.
It now looks as if the controversial
7-8-8 set-up will be in place next season.
Sunday 25th February 2001
OVD Scottish Junior Cup
- Quarter final draw
Renfrew
v Formartine UnitedPetershill
Auchinleck
Talbot v Ardeer Thistle
Carnoustie
Panmure v Kilwinning Rangers
Largs
Thistle v Shettleston
Ardrossan and Saltcoats
Herald (16/01/2001)
Ayrshire Junior Cup -
Second Round draw
(now known as the Ardrossan
& Saltcoats Herald Cup)
Annbank United or Maybole
Juniors v Hurlford United or Ardeer Thistle
Auchinleck Talbot v Cumnock
Juniors
Dalry Thistle v Irvine Meadow
X1
Darvel Juniors v Kilwinning
Rangers
Kello Rovers or Craigmark
Burntonians v Whitletts Victoria
Kilbirnie Ladeside v Muirkirk
Juniors
Lugar Boswell Thistle v
Beith Juniors
Troon or Largs Thistle v
Glenafton Athletic
Evening Times (12/01/2001)
Kilwinning stunner as
chief mac quits By Jim O´Donnell
A multi-millionaire has
quit one of Scotland´s top junior football clubs, leaving its future
in grave doubt.
Kilwinning Rangers Chief
Executive Alan McLuckie tendered his resignation late last night.
His exit followed the end
of an Industrial Tribunal brought against the Ayrshire club by sacked team
manager Bobby Dickson .
The Tribunal verdict will
not be known for up to a month, but McLuckie has decided to quit now.
McLuckie is a self-made
multi- millionaire. He owns Fullarton Fabrications in the town, and employs
around 4,000 people worldwide, but he has always refused to move from Kilwinning
where he was born and bred.
His departure will send
shock waves through the Abbey Park club as he has been their main source
of sponsorship and financial backing for more than ten years.
An emotional McLuckie slammed
Dickson and his former assistant, Jim Cockburn, for their actions in taking
Kilwinning Rangers to court.
"I have resigned my post
at Kilwinning Rangers and can only offer my sympathies to the club, team
manager Gary Faulds and all the playing staff, and also to the community
of Kilwinning as well.
"Unless another well meaning
individual is prepared to come forward and help finance the club, the only
route from here is downhill.
"I have tried to bring Kilwinning
Rangers to the forefront of Junior football, through being able to provide
backing, and I have never taken a penny from the club in all my time here.
"That´s more than
can be said for Dickson and Cockburn who were well paid for their efforts,
some might say overpaid, and I feel my blind generosity has come back to
bite me in the hand.
"This Tribunal situation
would never have occurred at smaller clubs like Whitlett Vics and Darvel
where rewards are poor and managers give their services for next to nothing.
"It´s a lesson for
Junior Clubs every where if they want to sack their manager. They should
consult a Human Resources specialist first.
"Being involved with the
local club has been my release valve from the rat race of business over
the years. However, I´m totally sickened by the actions of Dickson
and Cockburn.
"They may have set set a
record in 1999 for winning trophies, but they will possibly achieve greater
fame as being responsible for the demise of this club after 100 years existence.
I hope they can sleep with their consciences tonight.
"If Kilwinning Rangers fail
to attract a comparable backer and fall away from the standards of the
past few years, Dickson and Cockburn, in my view, will have ripped the
heart out of this community. The net result is that nobody wins, irrespective
of who wins the case."
This latest news is a savage
blow to Kilwinning´s plans for tomorrow´s OVD Scottish Cup
tie against the Cup holders Whitburn, with the remaining club officials
trying to arrange a meeting to discuss their plight.
As for Bobby Dickson, he
did not want to go over Tribunal details when he spoke late last night.
"I´m reasonably confident
that the Tribunal findings will show I was unfairly dismissed. However,
the most puzzling thing is I´ve gone through this entire business,
heard various statements from all the parties, and yet I am none the wiser
as to why I was given the sack."
Ayrshire Post (10/01/2001)
Sanny's men face an OVD
knockout
GET your shirts on wise
men from the east to win the OVD Cup - and that means curtains for Cumnock
in Saturday's last 32 tie.
I'm taking Newtongrange
to lift the trophy in May and they can move closer by beating Sanny McAnespie's
men in one of the games of the round (writes JUNIOR).
Newtongrange aren't a high
scoring team and have suffered only two 1-0 defeats this season as well
as losing on penalties to Bonnyrig Rose in the final of the Carlsberg League
Cup.
But they underlined their
strengths with a great 3-0 win over Hill o'Beath in the last round. I watched
Cumnock lose to Kilwinning at the turn of the year and they are an improving
side but are up against the team I reckon can go all the way.
FORECAST: home.
WHITBURN v KILWINNING -
I have a sneaky suspicion that Kilwinning, who are unbeaten over 90 minutes
this season, can go to West Lothian and come back with a draw. The holders
weren't over impressive when beating Hurlford 2-1.
Buffs can force a second
chance and finish them off at Abbey Park. FORECAST: draw.
MAYBOLE v FORMANTINE - The
northerners are unbeaten in 11 games in the Stewart Milne Homes League
and will make life very difficult. However, never in my wildest dreams
did I think Maybole would win at Dundee Downfield in the last round - a
great result against a team who are third in the Tayside League.
You can't ignore that form
and I take Jim McGhee's men to win at Ladywell. FORECAST: home.
AUCHINLECK v LONGSIDE -
Talbot will be too strong on home soil for the visitors who are second
top in the Stewart Milne Homes League. FORECAST: home.
LARGS v NEILSTON - Neilston
are Central Premier League but Largs have already taken the scalps of leaders
Johnstone Burgh in the Whyte and Mackay Cup this season. They are more
than capable of upsetting more fancied opponents on their own turf. FORECAST:
home.
ARDEER v KILSYTH - a 4-1
win at Saltcoats - the home side's first league defeat - underlined Ardeer's
good form of late.
FORECAST: home.
EIGHT Ayrshire players are
in the SJFA select to play Petershill/Pollok in a warm-up for the upcoming
quadrangular international. The match takes place at Petershill on Sunday
January 21 (1.45pm).
In the squad are Brian McGinty,
Paul Kerr (both Cumnock), Gavin Friels, Kevin Biggart (both Auchinleck),
Ian McLaughlin (Glens) and Paul Mullin, Tom Currie and Ian Gallagher (all
Kilwinning).
Bookies are at odds BOOKIES
Coral are quoting prices for all OVD Cup ties on Saturday.
They offer: Newtongrange
(4/5) v Cumnock (15/8) draw 13/5; Whitburn (7/4) v Kilwinning (11/10) draw
12/5; Ardeer (7/4) v Kilsyth (5/4) draw 9/4.
Largs (9/4) v Neilston (8/11)
draw 5/2; Auchinleck (2/7) v Longside (8/1) draw 3/1; Maybole (5/4) v Formartine
(13/8) draw 12/5.
Whyte and Mackay Cup: Kilbirnie
(8/11) v Beith (9/4); draw 5/2; Second Division: Troon (8/11) v Dalry (9/4);
draw 5/2.
Junior Cup - Fourth
Round draw :
Hill
O' Beath Hawthorn or Newtongrange Star v Cumnock Juniors; Whitburn v Kilwinning
Rangers; Shotts Bon Accord v Harthill Royal; Fauldhouse United or Yoker
Athletic v Dunbar United; Ardeer Thistle v Kilsyth Rangers; Dundee North
End v Lesmahagow or Arniston Rangers; Renfrew or Kelty Hearts v Bonnyrigg
Rose Athletic or Benburb;Bonnybridge or Vale of Leven v Shettleston; Thornton
Hibs v Lanark United or Carnoustie Panmure; Stoneyburn v Dundonald Bluebell;
Maryhill v Rutherglen Glencairn; Glasgow Perthshire or Largs Thistle v
Neilston; Oakley United v Petershill; Dunipace or Pollok v Kirkintilloch
Rob Roy; Auchinleck Talbot v Longside; Maybole Juniors v Formartine United.
Ties
due January 13, 2pm.
Ayrshire Post (08/12/2000)
THE wind of change is
about to blow through Scottish junior football.
Ayrshire clubs helped set
the ball rolling last week at an informal meeting where SJFA Secretary
Tom Johnston spelled out his vision for the future with leading Ayrshire
and Central Region clubs amalgamated into `Super Leagues'.
Johnston stressed that if
individual regions failed to take action to reorganise the game by
themselves then the almost forgotten Ernie Walker `Think Tank' would
do it for them.
This sparked a lively debate
among club delegates with the view that if change was inevitable then it
would be better for the clubs to retain control and drive the issue forward
themselves.
In recent years, Ayrshire
clubs have voted against linking with the Central Region counterparts but
at last week's meeting, a straw poll of clubs saw 14 in favour of amalgamation
and six against while three abstained.
Johnston admitted he was
very happy with the Ayrshire reaction.
He said: "Similar schemes
have been put to the other regions and the response has been favourable.
"The only one we've still
to see is the North, but we'll be talking to them in the middle of this
month." Currently there are six Junior regions throughout Scotland and
the initial initial aim is to see them merged into three.
Mr Johnston added: "We hope
to put the proposals to an EGM early next year and hopefully we'll have
a strategy for reconstruction on the table at next summer's AGM." "If all
goes well, the three region structure could be up and running by the start
of season 2002/03." A national league may still be a distant possibility
but the recent round of talks have thrown up a number of interesting scenarios.
Summer soccer is one of
them and, if the season is switched to run from March to October, the predicted
advent of pay per view football on the box at Saturday lunchtime could
even see moves being made to play matches on Friday evenings.
IRVINE Vics coach Paul Halley
has been been fined £100 and banned from the technical are and dressing
room for an hour before and after games until June next year.
SJFA beaks hammered him
after he was red carded FOUR times in the club's OVD Scottish Cup tie against
Inverurie Loco Works.
The former Junior international
was sent packing after a touchline dust-up with ref Brian Martin and one
of his linesman during a controversial match in which Vics had THREE players
sent off as they crashed 1-0.
Skipper Gary Russell was
fined £15 and banned for two games while Neil Sweetland, who has
since left the club, was fined £15 and hit with a three match ban.
Derek Rae (Largs), sent
off against Sunnybank, was fined £15 and banned for two games, while
Largs boss Frank Lovering, who was listed as a sub for that game, was fined
£10 and suspended for two matches.
Troon were fined £20
for a registration offence after Stevie Abbott, signed from Stranraer,
was registered as an amateur when the player was in fact a professional.
Abbott will now be dealt
with by the SFA's general purposes committee.
TROON FC have received running out tops from Troon and Dundonald Labour Party. Manager John Redmond sealed the deal with Councillor Gordon McKenzie
Irvine Herald (23/11/2000)
Junior Football shake
up
PLANS to shake up junior
football in the West of Scotland will go before a special meeting of all
Ayrshire clubs on Tuesday when Scottish secretary Tom Johnston pleads the
case for change as he addresses a crunch get-together in Kilmarnock.
The SJFA propose to link
the Ayrshire and Central Regions and form a Super League of the leading
six Central League clubs and top four Ayrshire sides.
An all-in First Division
would also be formed using the next placed clubs and following the same
formula. Remaining teams would play in Ayrshire and Central District Leagues.
But there are concerns in
Ayrshire that the leagues would not be formed by an equal representation
from both regions and this is sure to provoke debate.
Unrest is already rife with
plans to form three Ayrshire leagues of seven, eight and eight pushed through
at the last AGM and set to come into force next season. President Robert
McCarter used his casting vote to win the day and has since been condemned
for not backing the status quo.
However, if the new proposals
are backed at Tuesday's meeting, it will mean the controversial three league
set-up will be in existence for only one season.
But that would still be
too much for some observers, with one long-serving club boss and a relative
newcomer both strongly criticising the way the Ayrshire leagues are run.
Raging Auchinleck boss Dennis
Gray blasted: "The league of seven is a joke but we're stuck with it.
"I'm all in favour of reorganisation
with the top clubs qualifying but at present the leagues are a shambles
and are not run properly.
"Before last Saturday, Lugar
had played six league games and two of those were against Craigmark. How
is that fair? "We need a proper league fixture list to follow. I know the
secretary Matt Speirs hasn't an easy job but the answer is to get rid of
two cups and run the leagues properly." The outspoken Talbot manager found
an ally in the shape of Beith boss Sandy McLean who is fuming at a fixture
list which, he claims, has severely handicapped the Bellsdale club.
McLean, one of the quietest
men in the game, was raging when last week's fixture card handed his side
an away game with champions Kilwinning Rangers - with Beith having already
faced Glenafton, Auchinleck and Cumnock all on their own patches.
"This is a crucial season
for Ayrshire clubs with the league due to split at the end of the season
and we desperately want to be in the top flight," said McLean. "So I find
it difficult to comprehend why any team would have to play all of the four
top sides in its opening five league games let alone have to face every
one of them away from home.
"Surely it is not beyond
the powers that be to take into consideration both the quality of the opposition
and also the distribution of home and away games when compiling the fixture
lists? With all due respect to the other Ayrshire clubs the reality is
that one of these stronger sides will undoubtedly win the league because
of huge advantage offered by their spending power.
"It's an uphill struggle
for the likes of ourselves to take points off them - especially away from
home." McLean also claims his opening three fixtures, where Beith failed
to take a point, could prevent the club from attracting new players.
"Our lowly league position
reflects badly on the club and could deter the players we want to bring
here. They will look on us as being relegation candidates rather than top
six material and that's a slap in the face for all those who work hard
for the club.
"Fortunately I have a marvellous
committee behind me who understand the situation otherwise I would be feeling
nervous about my own position.
"I feel that a fairer allocation
of fixtures would have seen us in the top half of the table." There is
no doubt that something has to be done to sort out the Ayrshire fixture
chaos.
It's hard not to agree with
Gray that a league of seven is just a joke, but at best it's an ill-conceived
compromise and cannot possibly satisfy the ambitions of the region's bigger
clubs.
A so-called `Super League'
featuring the top six from both the Ayrshire and Central Regions, with
the remainder playing in similar set-ups, would be the most attractive
proposition, but whether the smaller clubs will ever allow it to come into
being is another matter.
OVD SCOTTISH JUNIOR CUP-
Third round draw
Thanks to Scott Campbell
(The Sun) - 12/11/2000
The ties will be played
on Saturday December 2 and are - Musselburgh Athletic v Stoneyburn, Carnoustie
Panmure v Lanark United, Formartine United v Inverurie Loco Works, Lochore
Welfare v Dundee North End, Maud v Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, Lesmahagow v
Arniston Rangers, Thornton Hibs v Dalry Thistle, Benburb v Bonnyrigg Rose
Athletic , Largs Thistle v Glasgow Perthshire, Kilsyth Rangers v Culter,
Port Glasgow v Neilston, Crossgates Primrose v Kilwinning Rangers, Dundonald
Bluebell v Blantyre Victoria, Hill of Beath Hawthorn v Newtongrange Star,Greenock
v Oakley United, Cambuslang Rangers v Rutherglen Glencairn, Downfield v
Maybole Juniors, Maryhill v Linlithgow Rose, Bonnybridge v Vale of Leven,Whitburn
v Hurlford United, Harthill Royal v Blackburn United, Hermes v Ardeer Thistle,
Kelty Hearts v Renfrew, Pollok v Dunipace, Petershill v Armadale Thistle,
Lochee Harp v Auchinleck Talbot, Royal Albert or Yoker Athletic v Fauldhouse
United, Longside v Glenrothes, Shettleston v Sauchie,Aberdeen East End
v Shotts Bon Accord, Pumpherston v Cumnock Juniors, Dunbar United v Stonehaven.
Ayrshire Post (25/10/2000)
Whitletts could hear
the final whistle
JUNIOR football basement
boys Whitletts have got just six weeks to live - according to long-suffering
boss Bobby Lawrie.
Bobby sent an SOS out thisweek
to the people of Ayr after his side, including the 53-year-old boss, were
trounced 7-0 by Maybole.
Cash-starved Whitletts havesurvived
on pennies for several years but Bobby and his committee have now cried
enough.
With just £100 to
their name, Whitletts desperately need cash if the 56-year-old Ayr-basedclub
is to survive going to the wall.
Fed up Bobby, part of thefamous
1971 Partick Thistle team who beat Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final
said: "I've been here for five years now and we've always managed to struggle
along. But we can't continue like this.
"We have no sponsors and
because we can't afford to pay players, we end up being embarrassed mostweeks.
"It has become too much
work with very little reward and myself and the committee are giving thesituation
six weeks to improve." Whitletts had their finest hour in 1956when they
reached the Junior Cup semi-final only to be beaten by Petershill.
In their time the club haveproduced
players like Quintin `Cutty' Young, who played for Rangers and Ayr, and
Somerset favourite Bert Ferguson.
But dejected Bobby moaned:
"Not one person comes through that gate to watch us, even when Ayr areplaying
away.
"Hurlford got a major cashboost
last season and they have been transformed, so we're not a forlorn hope
at all.
"But unless someone steps
in, it will be the end of the road for Whitletts. It would be a terribleshame
for the community." Any business, or individual, who can help theclub survive
are urged to contact Bobby on (01294) 551883
OVD SCOTTISH JUNIOR CUP-
Second round draw
Thanks to Scott Campbell
(The Sun) - 15/10/2000
Aberdeen Lads Club v Ardeer
Thistle, Aberdeen East End v Carluke Rovers,
Blantyre Victoria v Annbank
United , Oakley United v Forth Wanderers , Harthill Royal v Broxburn Athletic
, Arbroath Vics v Shotts Bon Accord , Kinnoull v Linlithgow Rose , Maybole
Juniors v Darvel Juniors , Kilwinning Rangers v Kilbirnie Ladeside, Whitburn
v Bishopmill United, Whitehills v Glasgow Perthshire, Glenrothes v Thorniewood
United , Dundonald Bluebell v Tranent, Yoker Athletic v Royal Albert, Cumbernauld
United v Pollok, Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic v Larkhall Thistle , Camelon v
Newtongrange Star , Lochee Harp v Forfar West End, Lochore Welfare v Bo'nessUnited
, Forfar Albion v Hermes, Dundee East Craigie v Benburb, West CalderUnited
v Kirriemuir Thistle or Arniston Rangers , Fochabers v Port Glasgow,Baillieston
v Thornton Hibs, Sunnybank v Largs Thistle, Cruden Bay v BlackburnUnited,
Vale of Clyde v Neilston, Armadale Thistle v Troon, Kirkcaldy YMv Bonnybridge,
Longside v Wishaw, Dunbar United v Irvine Meadow X1, MusselburghAthletic
v Dundee Violet, Maryhill v Dyce, Cambuslang Rangers v Tayport,Stonehaven
v Kello Rovers, Lesmahagow v Dalkeith Thistle, Downfield v Stonehouse Violet,
Arbroath Sporting Club v Crossgates Primrose, Lanark United v Kinloss,Kilsyth
Rangers v Lewis United, East Kilbride Thistle v Vale of Leven,Stoneyburn
v Ellon United, Hill o' Beath Hawthorn v Glenafton Athletic, Irvine Victoria
v Inverurie Loco Works, Auchinleck Talbot v Lugar BoswellThistle, Maud
v Luncarty, Dunipace v New Elgin, Dalry Thistle v BankfootAthletic, Broughty
Athletic v Petershill, Strathspey Thistle v FormartineUnited, Hurlford
United v Hall Russell United, Newburgh v Kelty Hearts,Culter v Elmwood,
Carnoustie Panmure v St Andrews United , Pumpherstonv Beith Juniors, Buckie
Rovers v Sauchie, Lochee United v Rutherglen Glencairn,St Roch's v Shettleston,
Burghead Thistle v Cumnock Juniors, KirkintillochRob Roy v Coltness United,
Wilsons XI v Fauldhouse, Renfrew v SteelendVictoria, Greenock v Tulliallan
Thistle, Banks O'Dee v Dundee North End. FirstRound
results
Evening Times (03/10/2000)
- shamelessly stolen
´Nock edge it from
the spot
Kilwinning suffered penalty
shoot-out heartache at Somerset Park inAyrshire´s Kerr & Smith
Sectional League Cup final, going down 5-3 to Cumnock after drawing 2-2
on completion of extra time.
The Buffs opened like whirlwinds
and only some desperate defending by Cumnock prevented an early goal.
The inevitable was only
delayed until the 25th minute, though controversy surrounded the decision
to award the Buffs a penalty kick, after Norman Montgomery was sent crashing
in the box by a tackle from Robert Vincent.
Monty appeared to go across
young Vincent´s path and, although the legs tangled, there seemed
no foul intent on the part of the defender.
Vincent, however, suffered
a double whammy, the referee pointing to the spot, and then brandishing
a red card in his direction, adjudging his offence to have been a last
man tackle.
Mark Cameron hammered home
the award giving Kilwinning the lead their play deserved, but the penalty
incident had left a nasty taste in certain quarters and a little tousy
spell ensued, resulting in bookings for Tommy Sloan (Kilwinning), Mark
Skilling and Brian McGinty (both Cumnock).
Monty contrived to squander
a great chance for Kilwinning before half-time, and plenty more opportunities
went abegging in the second half as the depleted Cumnock side were forced
to look for an equaliser, which duly arrived out of the blue in 76 minutes.
Paul Kerr appeared to foul
Buffs´ skipper Ian Gallagher, who foolishly kicked out, giving Cumnock
a free-kick - fired in by Davie Walker and met by a flash of McGinty´s
head to bring his side level.
And they could have taken
the lead shortly afterwards, when Chris McGowan lashed a scorching 35-yard
shot off the inside of Stuart Robertson´s post, the ball running
along the line before being cleared.
Into extra time and Cumnock
were back in the hunt, belying their numerical disadvantage. They took
the lead in 96 minutes with a contender for goal of the season, McGinty
firing a rising shot into the net from 25 yards.
Five minutes later the scores
were again level as substitute Joe Geoghan smashed home a low shot for
Kilwinning.
The remaining time brought
no further goals and it was down to penalty kicks.
Cumnock´s McGowan
started off the shoot-out by scoring, but Geoghan´s effort for Kilwinning
was saved by Nock´s former Celtic keeper Andy McCondichie, giving
an advantage they were never to lose.
Skilling, Walker, Stuart
Maxwell and McGinty all found the net, while Sloan, Stevie Farrell and
Johnny McMillan did likewise for Kilwinning, making the final score 5-3
for Sanny McAnespie´s brave side.
Cumnock rode their luck
at times, but had a real ace in the pack in the shape of McGinty, who turned
in a marvellous display.
Ayrshire Post (13/09/2000)
Dalry boss calls it quits
after 11 years
DALRY boss Ian Johnstone
has become the first managerial casualty of the new junior football season.
Johnstone, now in his third
spell at Merksworth Park, has been associated with the club for a total
of 11 years, but this week he quit, after a disastrous start to the season.
Dalry have had several well-publicised
problems both on and off the park in recent years, culminating in relegation
to the Second Division at the end of last term.
Results so far this season
have shown no signs of improvement and Johnstone, one of the game's great
enthusiasts, has decided to let someone else take over the reins.
"It's something I had thought
about for most of last season," he said. "I brought in Neilly Nuggins and
Fraser Campbell as coaches with a view to taking over and now I've decided
to call it a day.
"For the first time ever
I wasn't looking forward to pre-season training and when that happens it's
time to go."
Irvine Times Cup - Second
Round
Auchinleck Talbot v Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
Beith Juniors/Hurlford United
v Kilwinning Rangers
Irvine Meadow X1 v Whitletts
Victoria/Craigmark Burntonians
Irvine Victoria v Muirkirk
Juniors
Kilbirnie Ladeside v Cumnock
Juniors
Largs Thistle v Lugar Boswell
Thistle
Maybole Juniors v Kello
Rovers/Glenafton Athletic
Saltcoats Victoria v Troon
OVD Scottish Junior Cup
- First Round
St Anthony's v Hurlford
United
Kinnoull v Nairn St Ninian
Cumbernauld United v Blairgowrie
Arniston Rangers v Kirriemuir
Thistle
Bonnyrigg Rose v Islavale
Kirkintilloch Rob Roy v
Forres Thistle
Buchanhaven Hearts v East
Kilbride Thistle
Muirkirk Juniors v Kilsyth
Rangers
Fauldhouse United v Banchory
St T
Hall Russell United v Livingston
United
Scone Thistle v Rutherglen
Glencairn
Glenafton Athletic v Arthurlie
Coupar Angus v Kilwinning
Rangers
Saltcoats Victoria v Renfrew
Juniors
Formartine United v Ashfield
Craigmark Burntonians v
Glasgow Perthshire
Jeanfield Swifts v Cambuslang
Rangers
Johnstone Burgh v Whitburn
Rosyth Recreation v Pollok
Irvine Vics v Brechin Vics
Lochgelly Albert v Newburgh
Juniors
Fraserburgh v Crossgates
Primrose
Auchinleck Talbot v Bathgate
Thistle
Ardrossan WintonRovers v
Petershill
Neilston v Glentanner
Turriff United v Forfar
West End
Pumpherston v Haddington
Athletic
Edinburgh United v Aberdeen
Sunnybank
RAF Lossiemouth v Dunbar
United
Whitletts Victoria v Dunipace
Beith Juniors v FC Stonywood
Parkvale v Lesmahagow
Montrose Roselea v Bonnybridge
Juniors
Maybole Juniors v Bellshill
Athletic
Deveronside v Stonehaven
Irvine Herald (07/09/2000)
Kilwinning Rangers finally
got their man
KILWINNING Rangers finally
got their man last Thursday when they snapped up Cumnock striker John McMillan.
And it looks as if big-spending
Buffs boss Gary Faulds has had to smash the Junior transfer record to secure
McMillan's signature.
Buffs would only describe
the fee which ended the weeks-long chase as `substantial' but informed
sources say that it is in excess of £10,000 - a staggering amount
for a Junior player.
Former Stranraer striker
McMillan, who once enjoyed a short spell with Irvine Meadow, went straight
into Saturday`s team against Largs, but not surprisingly he lacked match
fitness, and didn't score as Buffs went on a six-goal spree.
But that didn't bother Faulds
who was delighted to get his man at long last.
"I tried to sign John when
I was at Glenafton," said the Buffs boss.
"I reckon that, along with
Glenafton's Andy McLaren he's one of the two best strikers in Ayrshire,
and he'll be a huge success at Abbey Park.
Irvine Herald (07/09/2000)
Meadow to report ref
after strain red card
IRVINE Meadow have lodged
an official complaint over Chris Strain's controversial sending off at
Beith on Saturday.
The club are furious at
referee Bobby Hunter's decision to dismiss the youngster, a decision they
feel cost them a lucrative Kerr & Smith Cup semi-final with Kilwinning
Rangers this weekend.
"Quite simply it was a shocker,"
said Meadow secretary Iain McQueen.
"I was just a few yards
away from the incident and at worst it was a booking, and probably not
even that. A number of Beith officials also agreed with me and Meadow have
reported the referee to the authorities.
"It would be churlish to
take anything away from Beith, after all they did run out worthy winners
in the end. But at that point we were a goal ahead and controlling the
game.
"The referee's decision
had a catastrophic effect on us and Beith went on to cash in." The dismissal
so incensed Meadow manager Ward White, one of the most laid-back guys in
the game, that he also made his views known to the whistler and ended up
being reported to the AJFA. That, too, will be contested by the club.
Kilmarnock Standard (01/09/2000)
Furious 'Ford ordered
to play it again in cup - Craigmark venue switch protest is upheld
HURLFORD have been ordered
to replay their final Kerr & Smith Cup sectional fixture against Whitletts
Vics after thumping the Ayr side 4-0 at Blair Park on Saturday.
A waterlogged pitch at the
Ayr dogtrack caused the referee to rule it unplayable, and after consultation
between both managers, the ref and the AJFA, the game was switched to Blair
Park.
Goals from Billy Woods (2),
Michael Kennedy and Colin Jackson saw 'Ford top their section on goal difference,
leaving Craigmark out of the last eight, also on goal difference.
But on Sunday, Craigmark
lodged a protest on the grounds that Hurlford had an unfair home advantage,
and asked that the game be replayed.
Said Hurlford boss John
Crawford this week: "This is very disappointing indeed, both for the players
and the Hurlford supporters.
"We have worked hard to
build up a good support for the club over the past year, and to ask them
to travel to Ayr then back to Hurlford on Saturday and now to go to Troon
this weekend is asking a bit much.
"This type of fixture switch
has happened on numerous occasions in this competition over the years,
but never before can I recall a club protesting on grounds of an unfair
advantage." Club president Lorrie Headley added: "As far as we are concerned
Hurlford United have done nothing wrong. We spoke with Bobby Lawrie the
Whitletts manager, the referee and an AJFA official, all of who agreed
to take the game to Hurlford.
"Now we are told it counts
for nothing and John has the difficult task of lifting the players for
a game against the same team twice in a week. We'll play the game, but
under protest." And John Crawford went on: "The difficulty for us now is
that we must beat Whitletts by three goals again to top the section, two
to finish runners-up, and if we don't do that we're out and Craigmark go
through.
"We had a very lucrative
home tie against Glenafton lined-up for Saturday, but now everything is
up in the air again."
Irvine Herald (24/08/2000)
Extra incentive from
caters
CATERING boss Davie Blair
is adding a dash of spice to Friday's Marymass Derby by putting up a special
challenge trohy and a bumper bonus for the winning team.
And, in a history-making
move, both teams will run out for the match wearing strips sponsored by
Blair's Commercial Catering & Bar Equipment, based at Irvine's South
Newmoor Estate.
It's a deal which mirrors
CR Smith and NTL's sponsorship of Glasgow's Old Firm, and the forward-thinking
local businessman is to be congratulated for making the Millennium Marymass
match a truly unique occasion.
Davie has been Meadow's
main strip sponsor for the past year and has also agreed to back the club
for the next two seasons.
But when he heard that local
rivals Irvine Vics were also on the look-out for a backer he immediately
offered is services and presented them with a new set of strips last week.
Then he decided to add an
extra-special ingredient to Friday's eagerly awaited clash.
To mark the occasion Davie
is putting up a special `2000 Challenge Trophy' and he'll also throw in
a cheque for £500 to the winning team.
For the purposes of the
challenge, the game, which is part of the Kerr & Smith Cup sectional
matches, will go straight into penalties if it ends in a draw and the sponsor
will make the presentation immediately after the match.
It's a novel idea and one
which is sure to take a trick with the expected bumper crowd.
"I'm delighted to be associated
with both clubs and thought this would be a chance to make the Marymass
Derby even more special," said Davie.
"It's the Millennium, it's
a unique occasion, and we're all going to see history being made. The teams
have never had the same sponsor's name on their jerseys before, so this
is a real first." The move was welcomed by both clubs who also said they
hoped it would attract other local businesses to become involved in the
game.
"It's a tremendous gesture
on behalf of Davie Blair to sponsor both clubs and put up such a terrific
prize," said Meadow secretary Iain McQueen.
"In marking the Millennium
he is also recognising the importance of the Marymass Derby to the people
of Irvine. This initiative is a great credit to Davie and I just wish there
were more people in the town like him." And Iain's words were echoed by
his Vics counterpart Bert Loach.
"This can only be good for
the Marymass game and I only wish there were more businesses who would
show their believe in both clubs and put their money where there mouths
are.
"We're very grateful to
Davie and think it's a brilliant idea.
"Good luck to him for what
he's done and let's hope a few more will copy him now they see the publicity
it can generate."
Irvine Herald (17/08/2000)
State of Ayrshire Junior
football needs to be addressed - McLuckie
KILWINNING Rangers
supremo Allan McLuckie has launched a scathing attack on the state of Ayrshire
Junior football within hours of the big kick off.
The Buffs chairman had just
watched his side demolish Ardeer Thistle 8-0 in their opening Kerr &
Smith Cup sectional tie, but immediately insisted that matches like this
did nothing for the image of the game.
"I really felt for Ardeer,"
he said. "They had a few decent young players out there but results like
that must sicken them. We should be trying to attract youngsters into the
sport. But drubbings like this don't do anyone any favours." McLuckie then
called for the game to be restructured in a attempt it make it more competitive
and more attractive to fan and sponsors.
"People don't want to turn
up to see teams being slaughtered and sponsors don't want to be associated
with a joke product," he fumed. "I know there will be a new league format
next season, but quite frankly the three league set-up with teams playing
each other three times a season is just a joke. I can see many of the teams
in the third division going to the wall because of lack of interest.
"The game in Ayrshire is
being run by archaic people and I don't have a problem in saying this,
even though I now I know it won't make me popular. Those in charge are
resistant to change, but the clubs must battle for change or else we'll
stagnate and die." The outspoken McLuckie then cited Saturday's fixture
list as a prime example of where the game's going wrong.
"It was the opening day
of the season, people were desperate for the action to begin and Kilmarnock,
Celtic and Rangers were all idle," he raged. "That left an awful lot of
fans with no games to go to but what did Ayrshire offer? Meadow and Saltcoats,
Muirkirk and Auchinleck, Kello and Cumnock and ourselves against Ardeer.
"Surely Kilwinning should
have been playing Meadow and Cumnock should have been playing Auchinleck?
It was a day for big games, games which brought some cash into the clubs.
But instead we're playing Meadow and Cumnock are playing Glenafton on a
Wednesday night when the crowds will be down. It's the big clubs who are
spending cash in an attempt to improve the game yet those in charge are
denying them the chance to maximise their potential.
"The people who are running
the game will have to go. They can't even tell us who we are playing from
one Saturday to the next. There has to be a compete restructuring." McLuckie
then turned his attention to the amount of sponsorship cash coming into
the game.
"We got £375 and a
flag for winning the league and £422 for winning the Ayrshire Cup
- and out of that we've got to buy medals for the players. Then the North
Ayrshire Cup paid out £400.
"Quite honestly I could
organise better sponsorship myself. It's all down to salesmanship but the
people at the top aren't selling the game and the longer it goes the worse
it's going to get." He then attacked the spiralling fees clubs were asking
for players - and immediately accepted the blame for starting the transfer
madness himself.
"I've got to hold my hands
up and say that I helped set the ball rolling when it comes to paying silly
money for players," added McLuckie. "But now it's all coming home to roost
and it has to stop. Even the clubs from Glasgow are asking for ridiculous
money when we ask them about players.
"I know clubs have to cash
in on their assets, but they simply cannot justify the fees they are asking.
If a player wants to move clubs will have to start asking realistic prices.
"In future I would advise
the top players or up and coming young talents to have a clause written
into their contracts saying that can move on at a fixed price. That way
everyone would know where they stood and we'd get some sense back into
the game.
"The transfer madness just
has to stop. I'm prepared to take some of the responsibility for starting
it, but I'm also prepared to take steps to stop it. Clubs should not be
holding each other to ransom. It might work at senior level, after all
that's a business. But it has no place at this level of the game."
SICKENER
(Ardrossan
& Saltcoats Herald 11/08/2000)
Sickened centenary-celebrating
ARDEER THISTLE have warned their future is in jeopardy after vandals ransacked
their ground on the eve of the new season.
Thugs broke into the clubhouseat
Ardeer Stadium at the weekend through a skylight window, stole balls, nets
and other vital equipment.
The troublemakers also bore
a huge hole in the wall of the clubhouse after ripping off railings from
the side of the ground and using them as battering rams to try and force
the clubhouse door open.
They also smashed up breeze
blocks used for building work at the stadium.
And this week the Second
Division club urged North Ayrshire Council to do more to make the ground
secure and prevent further break-ins.
Ardeer are also appealing
to the local people to get behind their local side before it's too late.
Disillusioned committee
member Bernard Burns told Sportscene on Tuesday "The place is in a total
mess. Kids broke into our container and stole sweets and other stuff from
the canteen. Then they got into our clubhouse and stole eight balls, including
three match balls, which are worth £50 each, and also nets and some
pumps. We will have to fork out about £300 to replace all these things
and we are totally sickened. I think it must be boredom, these kids have
nothing to do here, but I think their parents should be asking them where
they have been.
"If this kind of things
goes on our future will be in danger and that would be terrible because
we are celebrating out centrenary this season and surely no one would want
that. We only have a small committee and desperately need people to come
out and support the team and even just help us on match days and make the
ground a place we can be proud of again. But the council (from whom the
club lease the ground) must make the ground secure - they could surely
build a fence to help keep people out.
"This was once one of
the finest junior grounds in Scotland, but the place is now an eyesore
as it has been neglected and embarrasing for other clubs to come here for
our centenary events with the ground looking like this.
"We also have floodlights
lying around and no one has installed them for us, we don't even have decent
toilets - our facilities look as if they have come from the Dark Ages."
Stevenson Councillor Alan
Munro says he is "raging" at the damage but has enlisted the help of the
police and the North Ayrshire Leisure Trust to ensure it does not happen
again.
Munro told Sportscene :
"It
saddens me what has happened at Ardeer. The ground was once a palace. I
have been on to the Leisure Trust but they don't seem to be responding
to me. But I hope they will ensure the clubhouse building is made more
secure so people can't get into them. Also the police have promised they
will attend the ground more often and I would urge local people if they
see anything suspicious to report it to the police."
[PICTURE
OF DAMAGE]
THOMSON SEEKS HELP FROM
SJFA
(Ardrossan & Saltcoats
Herald 11/08/2000)
Angry two-time OVD Scottish
Cup winner Billy Thomson is threatening court action against troubled Dalry
Thistle unless his ongoing dispute with the Merksworth Park club is settled
by junior beaks.
Thomson, who won the top
honour in the game in 1991 and 1992, was told his services as coach were
no longer required in a letter in May. The reason given was concern about
the impact of his on and off-the-field antics at the club.
But Sportscene understand
the pint-sized targetman, currently training with Ardeer Thistle, is keen
to continue playing, is owed just under £2000 from the club, whom
he joined at the start of last season. The sum outstanding is believed
to include part of a signing on fee and expenses incurred.
The issue is set to be considered
at a Scottish Junior Football Association meeting next Tuesday night.
Thomson told Sportscene
: "I hope the SJFA will next week give the club a time limit on paying
it back although if nothing can be agreed I may consider court action against
Dalry."
But Dalry Thistle club president
Bill Daly told Sportscene :"All I can say is we are dealing with this
matter through the SJFA."
This will be the last season
of the Ayrshire Regional League in its present format as from season 2001-2002
there will be 3 divisions
Premier Division - 7 clubs,
First Division - 8 clubs, Second Division - 8 clubs
Clubs will play each other
3 times.
Also from this season there will be no replays in the Ayrshire Junior Cup (Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald Cup) from the quarter finals onwards.
