As ever, the formal proceedings were quickly dealt with and the main focus of the evening was devoted to a discussion/ Q&A session with the manager and the chairman.
Craig Brown was first up and he gave several insights to the way he saw the team develop next season. But first came an apology for the recent run of defeats – not necessarily for the performances of the team. He made it clear that the target was fourth place and that he saw this Saturday’s game at Tynecastle as crucial. He hopes that Ruddy might be available but if not then he should return for the final three games.
Contract talks are ongoing but the impression he gave was that O’Brien and Reynolds are likely to leave although he has not given up hope concerning the Everton loanees. There are lots of trialists in the frame and a closed door friendly will soon take place to help the decision making process. Hutchison is just about ready to return.
John Boyle then vented his anger at the SPL split arrangements. He repeated the concerns he has already voiced about the unfairness of the lack of a home game against one of the big two and he signed a letter to the SPL management at the meeting. He hopes that Celtic might do the decent thing by our season ticket holders!
The game against Hibs scheduled for election night came in for criticism and there are hopes that the police let it be known that a match so close to the polling station in the school is unwelcome. Watch this space.
Another rant was let loose at the state of the pitch though he made it clear that there was no one to blame for the unfortunate happenings over the winter. Circumstances outwith the club’s control had led to the mess. More money will be spent in the close season and the pitch is to be reseeded.
On Gannon, Boyle felt that the appointment was the right one (at the time) however it all tuned sour and his man management skills forced a parting of the ways.
He made a point of praising the work of Mark McGhee and made it clear that the Aberdeen manager had done an excellent job for the club. He hoped that the fans would recognise his contribution and that the unfortunate abuse doled out would not be repeated.
The meeting dew to a close and the shareholders retired for drinks and nibbles.
Last year’s AGM report is here.