The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Safety to fore for Brechin over windfall
Welcome boost from cup clash at Parkhead
Brechin may be in line for a big financial windfall after their William Hill Scottish Cup tie against Celtic at Parkhead, but chairman Ken Ferguson insists the club will not be splashing the cash and the money will be used prudently.
There were nearly 25,000 fans inside the stadium in the East End of Glasgow on Saturday, with 1,200 making the trip through from Angus. Brechin are entitled to 50% of the gate money once costs have been deducted.
While unwilling to put a figure on how much the Championship side will receive, Ferguson acknowledged it was a welcome boost after a couple of financially challenging years.
“We had nearly 1,200 fans at the game, which was magnificent, and we were very grateful for the backing,” he said.
“There were a total of 24,879 inside Celtic Park, which was about what we expected.
“There are still costs and other things to take into account.
“We are a careful committee but we have probably overspent in the last two or three years. So it is maybe time for a bit more safety.”
Brechin were up against it from the first whistle with Darren Dods’ parttimers not getting a touch before James Forrest finished off a move that included 48 passes for the first goal.
City conceded four more against an incredibly-strong Hoops line-up.
Ferguson said Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell revealed the champions were determined to show Brechin the utmost respect.
He said: “It was a bit dispiriting when that first goal went in so early in the game.
“The second goal was disappointing after one of our players played a looser pass than he would normally, but I felt we got into the game after that.
“However, we then conceded after half-time and Celtic added two more, but I was just hoping that we could have got a goal for the fans who had travelled through.
“We did have chances but could not take them.
“Celtic put out an incredibly-strong team and speaking to Peter Lawwell, he said that Brendan Rodgers knew the tie was a banana skin and he was determined to show Brechin all respect.
“Obviously we are disappointed with the result but it was a great experience, especially for the younger players,” he said.
He added: “Our lads are of course all part-time, which is something that is easily forgotten.
“They all have day jobs and train twice a week, unlike the full-time sides who are in working every day.
“We are very proud of them.” Brechin return to league business on Saturday against Queen of the South at Palmerston with Dods’ side still searching for their first win of the Championship campaign.
At a time when managers can be sacked following just two successive defeats, the Brechin directors deserve enormous credit for standing by the Glebe gaffer, who still has their unswerving backing. Ferguson added: “It doesn’t need said. “We always knew the Championship was going to be difficult but it has been even tougher than we anticipated.
“I believe we have a better team and are playing better football than we were last season.
“We have only lost in a lot of games by the odd goal.
“However, we are up against superior opposition week-in week-out, and it is really hard.
“We have backed the manager this month with the addition of Callum Tapping, and hopefully another player will be arriving soon to further freshen things up.
“Hopefully it is only a matter of time before we get that first win.”