Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Lochee chief has enjoyed first year
LOCHEE United secretary Marc Stanton admits his first year in the job has been a real eye-opener.
Stanton took over the role at Thomson Park when long-tme incumbent Larry Duncan moved to become the club’s general secretary.
Having held a similar position with amateur outfit NCR, Stanton was no novice when it came to the mechanics of running a football club.
However, even he was surprised with the intensity of the role, although it’s something he’s thoroughly enjoyed.
He said: “I’ve discovered there is a massive difference from amateur football to junior football as regards running the club.
“The juniors are far more professional in their approach, especially when it comes to things like contracts. “But it’s something I’ve really enjoyed.” While, Stanton has gone about his business quietly behind the scenes, he’s had to endure the highs and lows as the team fell at the semi-final stage in the Scottish Cup.
“Undoubtedly, the Scottish Cup run was the highlight of the season.
“The feeling when we scored a winner in the last minute of the semi-final first leg at Auchinleck was unbelievable.
“But then to lose two late goals in the second leg and go out was a real sickener.”
Stanton is also on the East Region committee and he’ll be at Inverkeithing High School tomorrow night as clubs debate the new league structure following several outfits leaving to join the East of Scotland set-up.
“We know who is going and who is staying, so we can now get on with forming the leagues.”
Carnoustie general manager Mark Johnson is of the opinion it’s now time to move on and get behind the new structure, whatever form that may take.
He said: “I am really disappointed a large number of clubs have decided to leave the juniors.
“We, as a club, voted in favour of the juniors being part of the pyramid but never wanted it to lead to the mass departures that have occurred.
“But it is time to move on. We now know who is left and we have 37 teams, so the East Region still exists and it is my belief we will still have a competitive Super League next season.
“Without doubt it is not perfect, there are problems, but we are committed to working alongside the region and the SJFA to move on from a difficult situation.
Johnson also stressed it was imperative supporters were kept in the loop as to whatever changes are to be implemented.
He added: “This week we will meet with the other clubs and look at set-ups for next season.
“Once we have a league set-up it is up to the clubs to make it work and to make sure the supporters know what is going on.”