Missing the play-offs is a big blow, admits Clan supremo

Braehead Clan’s hockey and operations director Gareth Chalmers insists the “whole club is hurting” after the side’s season came to a crunching halt.

The Clan’s play- off defeat to Dundee Stars saw Ryan Finnerty’s men drop out of the play-offs at the first hurdle, much to the disappointment of the side’s fans.

And Chalmers praised the supporters for their backing f o l l owing what proved to be a disappointing campaign.

Chalmers said: “Everyone associated with the club is hurting badly and it’s not a good feeling at all – especially when everyone is working 24/7 to bring the success we all want.

“The weekend was a massive disappointment. We were desperate as an organisation to finish the season off in style and make the play- off final weekend.

“We would like to take the opportunity to apologise to the fans for two very disappointing performances. They weren’t what this organisation should be about.”

Chalmers revealed that the club had been hopeful of securing silverware this season having gone close to doing so over the course of the previous two campaigns.

The Braehead side has already moved to make changes behind the scenes following the announcement that Finnerty will not be in charge of the side next season, but Chalmers remains optimistic that the next campaign will bring some success.

Chalmers added: “Our target from the start of the season was to compete for the league title and win some silverware. We were one point away two years ago and five points away last season – so understandably we felt we had made the adjustments to achieve that.

“It’s back to the drawing board, and we can assure each and everyone of the fans we will be analysing where our errors were, and where we need to improve with the aim of progressing the club further and competing for silverware.

“As a club we are very proud of how far we have progressed in seven short years and are ambitious about becoming the best in the UK.

“I’d like to thank the whole Purple Army, sponsors, Clan Crew, the arena – thank you to each and everyone of you.

“On behalf of myself, Andy McLaughlin and everyone associated with the club we hope everyone has a fantastic summer and we hope to see you all back at the Braehead Arena at the end of August.”