It can be confirmed today that two of Pollok’s first team squad are being released as manager Murdie MacKinnon looks to freshen up the side. First up to depart is Bryan Wharton. Bryan joined the club in September 2017 on loan from Queen’s Park, with the deal becoming permanent later that year. He moved on to Albion Rovers for two seasons, eventually rejoining Pollok in July 2020, with covid effectively making his time away a three-year hiatus. He went on to make 64 appearances for Lok, scoring 10 goals.
Also departing is Grant Evans. Grant signed for Lok in August 2016 from Irvine Meadow XI and made a grand total of 100 appearances for the club, the last of which coming in Saturday’s semi final defeat to Hurlford United. He also scored 3 goals for Lok.
Both players leave with heartfelt thanks for their service to the club over the past few years.
Also moving on are three recent additions to the first team pool: Keelan Braonan, Jack Grimshaw and Thomas Haggarty.
Former Airdrie youth Keelan signed up with the Lok 20s side in July 2020 and went on to make 22 appearances for them before the team closed down in March of this year. He made three first team appearances, with his debut coming on 16/4/22 in the 5-1 win at Lanark.
Jack Grimshaw was the youngest member of the Lok first team squad this season until the very last match when Kieran Davies became the first 2003 player to represent Lok in competitive action. Also ex-Airdrie, Jack made two appearances for the club, the first coming back in October 2021 away to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy – he will be able to recall that special day as also being when Jordan Longmuir scored from his own penalty area. As well as his two Lok matches, he played 22 times for the Under 20s.
And finally, Thomas Haggarty. Thomas, or Timbo as he is known, joined the club from Glenvale and also made his Lok debut in the Rob Roy game that featured Jack Grimshaw and went on to play five times in total for Pollok. His sole start came in the Hurlford United semi-final in the last game of the season. He netted 14 goals in 24 appearances for the Under 20s this season.
Best wishes to all five players moving on with your future careers and we hope to see you back at Newlandsfield in future, as a supporter or on the pitch.