Second place in the poll was taken by forward Carlo Monti, whose goals over the last 12 months have been nothing short of vital to the club. Full-back Ross Dunlop took third place, for his consistent and composed performances in defence.

Brian will be presented with his award at the annual Player of the Year celebration, which will take place in the Social Club on the evening of Friday, 7th June.

This event is open to all supporters. The club actively encourages all to attend, to celebrate the team’s successes this season in a relaxed social setting. Tickets will cost £5 and be available from committee soon.

The Secretary, Stuart McCulloch, will have the outstanding notes at Kirkintilloch tomorrow night.

Stuart has asked us to advise members that anyone who has not received their notes by tomorrow evening should contact him to arrange collection before Monday.

The Scottish FA Quality Mark is awarded to clubs who meet exacting SFA criteria in the areas of club governance, development structures, administration, planning and welfare; and who provide good football opportunities in the local community.

Club President, Fergus McDiarmid, said:

This is a significant milestone for the club and we are delighted to be able to make this announcement.

Achieving the award is the result of a lot of hard work behind the scenes and builds
on the foundations we laid last autumn when we announced our affiliation with Pollok United Soccer Academy.

Now that we have achieved the Quality Mark Standard Award, we can now look to continue our work developing the club even further over the coming months.

Danny Bisland, the Scottish FA’s West Region Club Development Manager, supported the club through the preparation for the award. He said:

This is a great achievement for Pollok Football Club and is a testament to the work that has been done by the club in the last 12 months.

We have been delighted to work with Pollok to achieve the Standard Award and look forward to working with the club in the future.”

Anyone seeking to find out more about the SFA Quality Mark scheme can find more information here (PDF link).

To help her on her way, Melissa will again be collecting at the gates before Saturday’s game against Clydebank.

Melissa said:

 

“I’m truly grateful for as I have received great support. I’m hoping that I can obtain my goal very soon as our team need to collect all funds by the beginning of May. I’m very excited for my trip, it is only 2 months away!

I am also so thankful of anyone who could contribute to helping me make a difference in Malawi. Donations would make my dream come true of getting to Africa and changing someone’s life for better.

Every donation is a big help to my funds and I will be forever grateful as this is a once in a lifetime chance. Thank you to the fans of Pollok FC for supporting me, I’m overwhelmed by how consistently kind they have been.”

Ross’s Winning Photograph

We’re delighted to report that a shot taken by club photographer Ross MacDonald is featured in the exhibition. The photo, taken after Ryan McArdle scored the winner away to Glenafton in the league in January, is featured as part of the ‘Grassroots Football’ section.

We’re delighted for Ross, and would encourage any Pollok fan to get down to Kelvingrove and have a look.

Well done young man!

Chris McCluskey (25) is a goalkeeper who has joined from Albion Rovers. His previous clubs also include Stenhousemuir, Brechin City as well as a spell playing in Iceland.

John Kane (also 25) has joined Pollok from Clyde FC. His previous clubs include Hibernian, Motherwell, Stranraer and Stirling Albion. John can play in defence or midfield.

We would like to welcome both to the club.

* * *

In other news, goalkeeper Steven McNeil will be leaving Pollok after Saturday’s game. Steven has opted to spend the next few months working as a coach in the United States. He asked pollokfc.com to pass on the following message to supporters.

Thank everyone for their support and help this season at the Lok. I loved every minute and hopefully one day I’ll come back and help again.

We’re sure Steven will be an asset to the children he is coaching in the States, and wish him our very best for his future endeavours.

In other news, we can confirm the departure of goalkeeper Graham Black, whose contract was cancelled by mutual consent. A formal farewell to Jamie Docherty too, whose transfer to Rutherglen was finally completed recently.

Both players leave Newlandsfield with the best wishes of the club behind them.

Speaking last night, Docherty said ‘I’m truly delighted to be back at Newlandsfield. I felt there was a matter of unfinished business with this team, and myself and John are now fully focussed on pushing the team on. What’s important now is that the supporters get behind the boys on the pitch as well as John, Ian and myself and keep the buzz about Newlandsfield.”

Docherty’s return means that Alan Cotton has parted ways with the club. All at Pollok FC would like to thank Alan for his work with the squad, and it goes without saying that our best wishes go with him.

Recently released by Arthurlie, Deas also lists Largs Thistle and Kirkintilloch Rob Roy among his previous clubs.

Welcome to Pollok, Ryan!