End of Season Thoughts - Chris King

“10 months with the club and with the season having drawn to a close, I think it’s a good time to say a few words on how I thought the season might play out, the reality of how it’s gone, and the aspirations for the senior squad for next season .

After a couple of meetings between myself and the committee and a very quick appointment, I took over as manager in August last year. At this point, I was unable to gauge the magnitude of the task in taking what was an amateur squad forward in East of Scotland, but I was provided assurances that ample time would be afforded to put my stamp on the way the senior set-up operated, provide a more professional platform to work from, and gradually improve the playing squad. Ultimately the early objective was to ensure we were competing on a weekly basis.

Positive results have been few and far between, however as a general rule performances have gradually improved as we moved into the final third of the season where we have been able to compete with the top teams in the league, albeit without the points haul to reflect this. With a little more luck on our side and improved discipline, we without doubt should have improved our league standing. Irrespective, I am hugely proud of where we are at the moment and where we are headed as a group.

With 70+ training sessions and 41 games under their belt, the players have given everything across the season where for large periods, they have had very little to play for by way of silverware. The commitment, willingness to learn and improve has been unwavering during my time at the club so credit to the boys.

We hope to add a couple of new faces to both the playing and coaching personnel as we continue our journey with the Hotspur - these additions will hopefully help us compete at the top end of the table, supporting those within the current squad that will be retained for the 24/25 season. A number of players will move on in the summer, these guys move on with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.

The Club have been absolutely fantastic throughout this challenging first season, working tremendously hard to grow the club generally alongside the ongoing developing of New Moor Road providing the players, supporters and the wider community a facility they can be proud of. A special mention to our Groundsman Neil Forsyth who works wonders on the playing surface.

I’d like to put on record that myself, head coach Scott and the players are hugely appreciative for the support the fans have given us at New Moor Road and we hope to reward the loyalty shown during some difficult times this season by bringing you all a little bit joy next season through securing more positive results and a significantly better league position. We look forward to our second season at the Hotspur and look forward to seeing you all again on the side-lines.“

Chris King

Snr Team Manager