Message from the Chairman

As the Scottish Highland Football League made the sensible decision on Saturday after a League Management Meeting at Lossiemouth to finish the season as of Friday 13th March 2020, I wanted to update the fans, staff, and volunteers of Keith Football Club of where we stand.

It is hard to comprehend the extent of the unprecedented circumstances we are facing at this current time. In these worrying times, what happens in football needs to be put into context, and I am delighted that the SHFL league Management committee made the right decision to conclude the 2019/2020 season.

The priority for the club is the safety of the staff, players, supporters, volunteers, committee, sponsors and suppliers. With this in mind, we have decided to cancel the end of season dance/awards night and all previously scheduled fundraising events.

The above decision will hurt the club financially, and over the last couple of seasons, we have been working very hard to take the club back into the black. We were not far away from achieving this goal; however, the current situation has unfortunately set us back.

Over the coming weeks, the Board will be talking to suppliers to try and secure payment terms where possible to help the club manage the cash flow.

We have had to decide to suspend all wages, and this wasn’t a decision we took lightly, but with no income due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it left us with little option.

During the 2019/2020 season, our Double Chance Lottery has grown and is beginning to make decent returns for the club. If the club can increase members of our lottery, we will be able to get back on track with our goal to become a debt-free club. If you would like to help support the club through these troubled times, become a member of the Double Chance Lottery by contacting the club on our social media platforms.

Over the last three seasons, we have formed a local youth development program consisting of an under 13s team and an under 15s team. I am delighted to advise that from season 2020/21 we will be adding an under 17s team also. 

The success of the local 13s and 15s is thanks to Dod and Laura Simmers, along with their hard-working coaches, volunteers and players. Their support, dedication and commitment have been constant, and I would like to offer a special thanks for all their efforts. I continue my thanks to the sponsors who have helped make this happen; we all look forward to having local talent in the team in future years.

The senior team were sitting 9th in the league table as of 13th March 2020, and I would like to congratulate the manager Dean Donaldson and his assistants Michael Brown and Jamie Lennox on the fantastic job. The turnaround they have done over the last year and a half of being in charge is incredible. A lot of people don’t see the time, dedication, commitment and endless hours spent by our management team to make Keith FC a better team on the park. I am delighted that your hard work is paying off.

The players also deserve credit. Within my 23 years of being involved in the Highland League football, I don’t think I can remember being involved with a bunch of lads who are as committed and dedicated to their club. The team spirit is second to none, the lads have done the club, the management and myself proud this season. I can’t thank you enough for bringing back some pride to Kynoch Park, and I know under the leadership of the current management team we will continue to improve, so thanks again for everything and enjoy your extended close season lads.

Over the season we have been supported by sponsors both new and old, with Raccotubi Norsk continuing as our main sponsor, and Keith Builders Merchants continuing as our shorts sponsor. We have welcomed the support from RS Coaches and B&M Steel this season. RS Coaches are our transport sponsor, and B&M Steel proudly sponsor our tracksuits. A special thanks must go out to John, our RS Coaches driver who goes above and beyond in his support of Keith FC.

Along with our wonderful sponsors, we also rely heavily on our matchday hospitality guests who are critical in the survival of Keith FC. This season saw us welcome local whisky distillers Chivas Brothers staff on an employee benefits scheme - allowing their hard-working employees a day out at Keith FC enjoying some of the best hospitality in the Highland League.

This season has seen the greatest footfall in our sponsor’s lounge in the clubs’ history. We will strive to build on this for next season and drive the finest hospitality in Highland League football to new highs. I look forward to welcoming you all back again next season. 

I am delighted that this season we have added new faces to our management committee. Andrew Leslie, April Leslie, Joseph Gerrie, Judy Troup and John Troup have all committed to the club, and they join a bunch of amazing people already involved in the day to day running of the club. Without this team, Keith FC would not be able to survive. The time, effort, dedication, love and commitment shown to Keith FC is outstanding, and you make Keith FC the Family it is today. So thanks again for your help and dedication during the season it’s very much appreciated by all.

Finally, to the most important people, our supporters and the supporters club. We all know we don’t have the biggest support in the SHFL. Still, we have some of the best. A massive thanks to the Supporter’s Club for their continued support and dedication on helping Keith FC improve the matchday experience at Kynoch Park, this is something we intend to work on over the coming seasons.

With the support of everyone, we hope the club and the support will continue to grow for years to come.

Please stay safe and look after yourselves and your family around you in these troubled times and we look forward to seeing everyone at Kynoch Park again in the near future.

Andy Troup
Chairman