University of Stirling Head Coach Chris Geddes has paid tribute to his team’s efforts over the past season – and thanked those students who are heading on to pastures new.
Following the premature conclusion of the 2020/21 Lowland League season due to COVID-19, many first team players have had their final year in University green cut short – with Euan Baird, Liam McMaster, Craig Brown, Kieran Hall, Alex Webb, Callum Bremner, Calum Heath and Callum Downie all graduating this summer.
In addition, goalkeeping coach Rob Dawson is leaving the club as he prepares to emigrate and journalism student Charlie Harris – who, along with Graham Fleming, has provided this season’s match reports and interviews for the website and Stirling Observer – is also due to graduate.
Geddes said: “Now that the season is officially over, it is important we reflect on the team’s excellent efforts in the Lowland League over the past six months or so. We have been incredibly fortunate to have a great team of boys who were competitive in every game we played and, together, achieved some outstanding results.
“When the league was called, we were in sixth position and I know that – going on our form – we would have continued to push on in both the league and cups. It is very disappointing that the league has ended early, but absolutely understandable given the situation.”
He continued: “A number of our first team players will be moving on this summer, as they graduate from the University and I would like to take this opportunity to thank those players for their years of service to this football club – they have given me everything and represented the University excellently. I wish them all the best for the future.
“I would also like to thank our goalkeeping coach Rob Dawson for his dedication and support over the past two years. Our goalkeepers have benefitted significantly from his expertise and coaching – and we have seen those improvements on the park. Rob is a huge loss to our programme and we wish him well as he embarks on a new and exciting chapter.
“The University first team is supported by a small group of dedicated volunteers behind the scenes. I would like to give a special mention to those parents who have provided matchday support and our media team – made up of our journalism students Charlie Harris and Graham Fleming, local photographer George Vekic, our Chaplain Gary Caldwell and Greg Christison – who have provided excellent written, visual and social media content throughout the past season. They have really taken forward that side of the club and we thank all of them for their efforts.”
The new league season is set to begin on Saturday 17 July, 2021. Further details will be shared on the University Football Club’s website as they become available.