With the 26th of July just around the corner and our visit to Hurlford United heralding the start of the new season, Talbot is encouraging the
fans to get behind the lad’s and roar them on to qualification for the new Lowland League West that comes into effect next season. To do this Talbot needs to be in the top eight licensed clubs in this seasons West Premier a big task but we believe we are building a squad that can get us over the line.
On the player front, goalkeeping signings of experienced Willie Muir from Lanark United who boasts over 200 appearances with Queens Park was soon followed by the news that for the third season in a row we have a Kilmarnock loanee keeper in our midst after youngster Dylan Brown joined the squad.
Talbot’s Achilles Heel last season was cover for the right back position which Neil McPherson and Ross Clark did well to fill, but the news that the club had signed Kieren Wood from Gartcairn was welcomed by the fans. The defender has a wealth of experience at senior level with Ayr and Stranraer as well as the WOSL grade with spells at Kilbirnie, Kilwinning and dare we say it, Cumnock.
Another new player in our midst is former Peterhead winger Robbie Scullion who joins us from Beith. Our North Ayrshire rivals were highly impressed by Robbie and our backroom staff are delighted to welcome the talented midfield player to the squad.
As it stands everything is slowly falling into place as the vast majority of last seasons squad has signed on, and at the moment throughout the friendly matches the backroom staff are looking at a number of players as they aim to add at least another name to list.
Away from the pitch the club is now offering season tickets at £140 adults and £70 concession and child. They are also promoting the highly popular Members Club at £100 a season which saw its biggest ever number of patrons since its inception. The Talbot Lotto still puts a healthy amount of much needed cash into the coffers and both fundraisers can be joined by contacting the committee.
This season’s new kit is selling like hotcakes £50 for adults and £40 for juniors. Our new shirt sponsor is Emerald Contracts who have been a major sponsor of the club for a number of years. A big thanks to Brian Paterson. Also a special mention to JMK who were our main shirt sponsors for many years.
Promoter Colin Chisholm is the man to contact when looking for general sponsorship ranging from track side advertising, match and player sponsorship as well as general fundraising. The club would also like to point out that the half time raffle has become very popular amongst the patrons at Beechwood with prize money exceeding many of our rival clubs. It also gives Colin a chance to let the people hear his dulcet tones as he announces the winners on the tannoy.
The match programme will be on sale for this season after the club decided that there are still a lot of people like the real thing as well as being a memento for the sponsors. Still only £2 it can be purchased at the Coal Road gates.
The ground has seen some major work over the close season, the biggest project being the new women’s and disabled toilet block which was badly needed. The club would like to thank everybody involved in its erection, be it volunteers or people who donated materials.
We will also be celebrating the testimonials of Tommy “Tucker” Sloan and Alan McLuckie who have now racked up 20 years service to the club, and will be honoured during this season.
On the supporters side of the club, the Willie Young Loyal Supporters Club had a very successful AGM recently despite the fact they were blighted by sky high travel costs throughout last season. The membership was boosted after the demise of the Affleck Club and the defection of its members, but the WYL are keen to point out the door is open to any new members who might be interested.
See you all during the season. EPPP.
