Well, another season has come and is just about gone.
Unfortunately, we haven’t finished the season as strongly as we would have liked, which is frustrating for all of us. But the players have given everything for the club, and around 14–15 weeks ago we were the in-form team in the league, picking up some fantastic results against top sides. That’s the level we need to carry through an entire season.
We have a young squad that is learning all the time. They need to go through the tough moments to become better players. A big part of this group has only just completed their first season at junior level, and they have learned a lot. They are a very talented group, but at this level you need around 40–60 games under your belt.
The likes of Andrew McIntyre, Euan Anderson, Jamie Stirling, Rudi Johnson, Brian McCullough, David Sawyers, Ross Agnew, Cameron McIntyre, Aaron Robertson, Ryan Ritchie and Calum Robertson all fall into that category. These boys now know what it’s all about.
At the turn of the year, we received devastating news with the damage to the dressing rooms at Campbell Park. The club tried everything possible to finish the season there, but we were ultimately forced out of our home and had to groundshare for the remainder of the season.
Firstly, I would like to personally thank Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Kilbirnie Ladeside and Largs Thistle for allowing us to groundshare and helping Saltcoats Victoria. It is very much appreciated, and it shows how junior clubs look after each other in times of need.
Campbell Park has been our weapon, and not many teams enjoy coming to play us there. I genuinely didn’t expect us to struggle away from home as much as we have. But the short-term pain will be long-term gain, especially with our new and improved dressing rooms and facilities, which should all be in place for the new season.
It’s an exciting time for Saltcoats Victoria. My management team, the players and myself can’t wait to get back to Campbell Park.
The main reason for coming back to Saltcoats Victoria was to protect the history of the club, and I believe we’ve done that. We’ve improved both on and off the park every year, and that progress will continue.
The position the club was in two and a half years ago compared to where we are today is a testament to everyone involved — the committee, sponsors, supporters, players and management.
Work for next season has already started. We have players identified, new targets being watched, and we are working hard to re-sign the core group of this squad.
With every season, there will be players who move on, and I would like to thank those boys for all their hard work and wish them all the best for the future.
Our new strips have been ordered and promoted on our social media — both kits are crackers. Thanks again to Miriam at Bar One for our home kit, and Café del Greco for our new away kit.
We’ve had a few unfortunate long-term injuries at the wrong time this season. Ryan Ritchie required surgery after picking up an injury at East Kilbride and has now just returned to training, which is great to see.
Brian McCullough, who was stretchered off at Carluke, has had some positive news regarding his knee and it’s not as serious as first feared. He should be back for the start of pre-season.
I would also like to wish Tyler Love all the best in his recovery. He has undergone surgery to repair ligament damage in his ankle and is on the road back. Everyone at the club will be fully behind him as he works towards getting back playing.
Lastly, I would like to thank all my players for their hard work this season, along with our loyal supporters, our committee, our sponsors, and my management team — Davie, Del, Lamby and Malky.
The club is in the strongest position it has been in for a long time. At 137 years old, Saltcoats Victoria continues to move forward, including the launch of a new amateur team. I’d also like to wish Jason and his team all the best for their season ahead.
We’re looking forward to sharing our plans for the new season soon, including pre-season fixtures, new signings, and further updates on our facilities.
I hope everyone has a great summer, and I look forward to seeing you all back at Campbell Park for the new season.
Stevie Wilson
