Joe Smith started the formal part of the evening and summarised the Trust’s year. In response to the SPL’s Strategy Paper the Trust organised an open meeting and surveyed Motherwell fans. He then met with Neil Doncaster and outlined the supporters’ opposition.
The Trust held a Forum in December before the highlight of the season arrived when the team played in the Cup Final. A ’91 Forum and a ’91 video night added to the anticipation for the great day out.
He was pleased at the improved communications that has seen members contacted by newsletters, emails, twitter, facebook and by use of unofficial websites and the local press. On the down side the sixes and the schools’ tournament failed to appear.
The Trust board is now twelve strong and ready for the year ahead. He thanked the retiring members for their contribution. Joe intimated his intention to step down from the chair following his two year spell.
Alistair Stewart outlined the financial position. The main expenditure was for the Phil O’Donnell memorial which should soon be unveiled. That combined with the £5 membership fee for the last two years has seen reduction in the bank balance. The accounts were then approved.
The question and answer session followed. Andy Devlin hosted this section with his usual skill. Both Stuart and Stephen held the audience with their tales from Fir Park and beyond.
Andy keeps the panel in order
Stuart admitted that the start to the season had exceeded his expectations. He was relieved that the transfer window had left us without a weakened squad and joked that he was afraid to open a late evening text from the chief exec as the window closed. As far as new faces were concerned he let it be known that Omar Daley has to be known as “Oh No Daley”- there is obviously a close relationship between the two already. Daley is expected to play for Jamaica when they take to the field in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday.
Stephen was asked if it was an easy decision to accept the new contract earlier this summer. He made it clear that he belonged at Fir Park and that he still felt fresh and was still enjoying the game. He was giving the younger players advice and hoped that he would be seen as a good example to them. Asked about the Cup Final he looked back on the whole experience with pride. It was wonderful to lead the team out and lots of his family were present.
McCall said that the biggest influence on him was “without a doubt” Walter Smith. He was honest and up front with players and was a superb man manager. Craigan suggested that it was his family and a personal fear of failure that drove him on from the time he left home aged seventeen to earn a living as a professional footballer.
There was a long section devoted to the age old question – why can’t we beat Rangers? Craigan revealed that “they are the only team I’ve never beaten” in around 40 attempts. McCall instantly hinted that he’d be dropped for the next encounter! The manager then ran through all the meetings between the teams since he took charge but emphasised that, especially at home, we looked to beat everyone.
The evening ended with a vote of thanks from Joe and a reminder to the audience that the next event promises a great evening of comedy at “Stand Up for the Motherwell” on 29 September.