Bill takes back seat

Bill Carrigan has stepped down as chairman of Newmains United.

He had helped mastermind the recent merger of the club with amateur team Carluke FC.

But he has now informed staff he would prefer to take a back seat in the running of things after over two years at the helm.

Speaking after his side’s 9-0 defeat to Vale of Clyde, Newmains co-boss Paul Davies said:“Bill deciding to stand down came as a real shock even though he had mentioned he was considering it in the past. Bill will be a great loss to the club. He’s done so much for the club for so long after coming in to save it.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with him in the short space of time I have and I always enjoyed his company.

“He leaves the club in a better place than when he came in and has given everything he had to it. He’ll certainly be missed and will be welcome back to watch games any time.

“We hope it isn’t the last we see of him and that this doesn’t signal the end of his connections with the club. In the meantime we wish him and his wife Elizabeth all the best for the future.”

Former Carluke FC chairman Stuart MacKenzie will take over from Carrigan.

Two businesses are backing Wishaw Juniors by providing free transport to the game on Saturday.

Gerry Duffy of Clyde Scaffolding Limited is paying for the club bus and a bus for supporters to attendf the match, with McTear Contracts Brian McTear also providing a bus for the game. Anyone who would like to sign up for a seat should get in touch with the club by emailing wishawjuniors@ hotmail.com