Alasdair Shaw's Programme Notes Monday 02/02/04
ALLY’S ARMY LAUNCH RECRUITMENT DRIVE BUT GET OFF TO A SLOW START
Dear Supporters,
Thank you all for the warm welcome you’ve given me as I settle in to my new managerial hot seat. My task for this season is to mould together a new squad and improve the team’s performances in the league. However those who know me will tell you that I’m an ambitious manager and I fully expect Elgin to be in the top half of the league at least.
I’ve been quick to use my contacts in football to bring in players good enough to both entertain and win points; and I’m sure you all join me in welcoming the following to the club.
Neil Adams
The former Falkirk right back should give us some competition for defensive slots and looks to have a good future ahead of him. Hard working and brave, his passing and tackling skills will be of great use.
David Bowman
With 6 Scotland caps to his credit, David is a vastly experienced player with his service to Dundee United. A great ball winning anchorman, his commitment and desire to win will hopefully rub off on some of the younger players.
Keith Brown
This competent defender is at home in the centre of left back position. Keith has learned his trade in England with Blackburn Rovers and Barnsley, and is relishing the challenge of making an impact at Elgin City.
Robert Bruce
A promising youngster who can play anywhere across the midfield, Robert is a die hard Ayr fan and despite being signed to add depth to the squad, he’ll more than likely be knocking at the door of the first team.
Colin Carr-Lawton
After serving in the English lower leagues, Colin provides us with more striking options with his pace, balance and deadly finishing.
Neal Clague
We signed Neal in the face of stiff competition and I was delighted to capture the big striker. A real handful for any defence, I expect him to bag a few goals this year.
Marc Cocozza
A determined young defender, Marc was educated at Celtic and Dundee United before joining us. It is unlikely he’ll become a first choice centre back and he has been made available for loan.
Dennis Connaghan
Former Queens Park and Partick Thistle defender Dennis Connaghan is a tough tackling defender and a natural leader.
Tom Courts
Yet another defender who can play in centre or on the left, Tom completed his apprenticeship at Livingston and is now hungry to prove himself.
John Crawley
John is another promising defender who should do well in our reserve side and will undoubtedly feature at senior level.
Colin Drew
Colin is a striker’s worst nightmare, being a real physical presence at the back. The former St. Mirren man gives us even more options in that position.
Chris Dunbar
A young right back, Chris joins our youth programme and should blossom into a fine player.
Martin Ferney
Comfortable in on the left or centre of midfield or defence, Martin is a committed player and has great experience from his days with Fulham.
Kevin Gallacher
Former Scotland attacker Kevin Gallacher has played in the English Premiership and the World Cup, so his player coaching role will be an invaluable influence to the team.
Richard Gough
The former Rangers captain joins us on a player coaching role and will be a great presence in defence and on the training ground.
Colin Hendry
Colin is another recognisable name as the former Scotland and Blackburn Rovers Captain who lead the country out in the opening game of France ’98. A rock at the back, his influence will be an example to us all.
John Hutton
John is a good addition to the squad with his aggressive and influential defending. He’s also a former Sheffield Wednesday youngster.
Michael Jack
The former Carlisle winger is a hot prospect for the future with his technique and creativity. Definitely one to watch out for.
James Lakie
This young defender comes after a spell with Cowdenbeath and is a good addition to our youth team.
Steve McAnespie
A journeyman in the right back position, Steve has spent time at Raith Rovers, Bolton, Fulham and Cambridge. An intelligent player, he can get forward to whip in a cross or let fly with a free kick.
Stuart McCluskey
A clever defender, Stuart joins after several years with St. Johnstone and will provide competition for a first team place.
Stephen McCulloch
Able to play in the centre or left side of defence, Stephen was trained at Dundee United and will provide defensive options.
Pat McGinlay
Having played with Hibs and Celtic, Pat’s creativity will be vital to our midfield and he has shown that he can get forward and chip in with some goals.
John McQuade
Signed to provide some flair on the wings, John’s trickery and crossing ability should give opposition defenders a tough time.
Garry McStay
Joining after his service to Falkirk, Garry is now ready to command a first team place in the heart of midfield. His determination will be an example to the whole team.
Danny Mills
A determined “no nonsense” player; Danny will contribute his presence to the midfield area.
Jerry O’Driscoll
No stranger to Scottish football, Jerry has played at Dundee and Montrose, but was signed from Irish side Glentanar. A real poacher in attack, Jerry should notch up a few goals this season.
Kris O’Neil
Despite not making the grade at Hearts, Kris is a quick striker who gets into good goal scoring positions. He’ll add cover to the first choice attackers and is available for a loan deal.
Richard Sinclair
Another promising defender, Richard’s tough tackling and quick thinking should see him get a chance to impress at senior level.
Anton Smith
A determined and strong defender, Anton will play much of his football learning in the reserves this year.
Lee Snodin
Former Charlton midfielder, Lee’s left foot will be an asset at set plays. His father, Ian, has also joined the coaching staff.
Jon Thompson
Unable to make the break through at Dens Park, Jon comes to us as a player with real potential to be a class defender.
Joseph Tobin
17 year old Joseph Tobin is a talented defensive midfielder, who despite his age could see first team action.
Steven Watson
A left back with massive potential, I expect Stephen to be pushing for a first team place.
Paul Whitmarsh
Paul has spent much of his career in the English amateur leagues but his sheer determination and the fact that he’s a quality finisher should see him contribute to our campaign.
Jamie Winning
Signed for the youth team, Jamie is talented central midfielder with a great future ahead of him.
Stephen Wright
Another signing that brings us experience from former clubs Aberdeen, Rangers and Bradford City. Stephen is a veteran defender who will provide depth to the team.
I am still pursuing some deals and I’m particularly keen to add to the midfield as well as providing some competition to Martin Pirie for the goalkeeper jersey.
A new coaching team has also joined the club and I welcome them to the team.
Tom Boyd
With a vast knowledge from playing for Scotland and Celtic, Tom will be helping our younger members progress into quality players.
Terry McDermott
The former Liverpool legend was once assistant to John Barnes at Celtic and I’m delighted that he’s taken up a similar role here at Elgin.
Ian Snodin
A top class coach, Ian played several years of top level football at Everton. His son Lee has also joined the playing staff.
Arturo Vázquez Ayala
I was pleased when Arturo decided to leave Mexico and hook up with us and I’m sure his fresh perspective on football will be of tangible benefit.
BELLS CHALLENGE CUP FIRST ROUND – MONTROSE – BORROUGH BRIGGS – SAT 02/08/03 - 2-0 DEFEAT
With so many new players in the side it was always going to be difficult for them to gel in time for this game against Alex Holligan’s Montrose; however that does not hide my disappointment from the performance we put on.
The visitors took the lead when McEwan beat our offside trap and fired home from a tight angle and Montrose compounded our woeful performance when a cross was cleared to Herbert at the edge of the box and he made it 2-0 by lancing the ball into the top corner.
It was not only a poor result, but the fact that we failed to get a single shot at the Montrose goal gives me a real headache before our next game.
However despite this set back I’m still confident that this will be an exciting and reasonably successful season for Elgin City. The team will take time to gel and I’ve still to tinker with some aspects of it, but rest assured that we are all looking to bring glory to the club.
Thanks for your support and enjoy the new season.
Alasdair Shaw
Elgin City FC Manager 
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