Category: committee

In Conversation With: Martin Anderson

With 115 years of history behind us, many people have passed through the doors of Newlandsfield, with some leaving more of a mark than others. Many remember the goalscorers, the no-nonsense defenders and the trophies, but behind every Pollok squad is a committed team of volunteers, many of whom have given decades of service to the club. One of those is Martin Anderson, a supporter of five decades, and a two-time committee member. He sat down to reminisce about his time at Newlandsfield.

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What was it that first brought you to Newlandsfield as a supporter?

I had been a Third Lanark supporter from childhood until they were dissolved in 1967. Like a number of Thirds supporters, such as Stuart McCulloch, I eventually ended up at Pollok but it wasn’t immediate. My son Edward had started going along to Newlandsfield with his friends, and my late wife Margaret thought it would be a good idea if I joined him. That was in season 1977/78 I think. After that I fell in love with football again.

 

A view from the terrace at Cathkin
Third Lanark were two-time Scottish Cup winners and former Division 1 champions but financial mismanagement saw them go out of business in 1967 with Cathkin Park falling into disrepair. Many of their supporters found a new footballing home at Newlandsfield, helping to steadily propel Pollok into the upper echelons of the Junior game.

 

When was your first Pollok game and what are your memories of it?

I had been along as a teenager to see a home Scottish cup tie with Irvine Meadow at Newlandsfield in January 1954. Pollok won 1-0 with Sonny Best scoring the winner. Irvine Meadow protested and returned, winning the replay. Attendance was reported as 12,000 and Newlandsfield was packed. People were watching on the platform at Pollokshaws East station.

 

Newspaper coverage of the fiasco following the Meadow game recalled by Martin. Follow the link above for Mark Donnelly’s piece on the event which does not rate among Pollok’s finest hours.

 

Who is your favourite Pollok player of all time?

Jim Mullaney who was part of our Scottish cup winning team in 1981. A stylish, cultured inside forward and a really nice person as well.

 

What has been your best moment as a Pollok supporter?

Winning the Scottish Junior Cup in 1981, being at Hampden with my Son Edward and celebrating in the social club afterwards.

 

Pollok lift the Junior Cup for the first time against Arthurlie in 1981. (Photo: Stephen Mansfield)

 

When did you first join the committee, and what jobs have you done in that time?

I have had two stints on the committee. The first time I joined was, I think, in 1983 at the same time as George Patterson and future president John MacFarlane. Due to work commitments I resigned in the 1990s and rejoined in 2015, having been forced back on by Wilma Gillespie. Due to work commitments I have never held a major role in the club, but have plenty of experience doing the menial tasks like gates, prorgrammes and raffle tickets. Although my Grandson is now Match Secretary and it’s great to see Jack and so many other younger committee members with an interest in keeping the club going forward.

 

If you have come through the gates at Newlandsfield, then you will have come across Martin selling half-time draw tickets at every match. (Photos: James Graham)

 

How was it watching Pollok beat SPFL side Annan Athletic in a televised Scottish Cup tie last season?

It was quite emotional, and it mattered a lot to me, which was a surprise as I have felt less emotionally invested as I have gotten older. The occasion, TV build up and a glimpse into the future for Pollok was exciting. Plus it was a really good game of football!

 

The 4-3 win against Annan Athletic was Pollok’s first ever competitive victory against SPFL opposition, and was watched by 100,000 BBC viewers. (Photo: SNS)

 

What do you think the future holds for Pollok, and what should we be aiming for as a club?

Football has changed and the game is in flux in Scotland, particularly at our level. Listening to Stewart Maxwell at the recent AGM, I think that we have to try and play at the highest level possible. So the initial aim would be promotion to the Lowland League.

 

Finally, alongside young John you were the face of Pollok’s 2023-24 season ticket campaign. How did you find being in front of the camera?

It has opened up a whole new career for me. If anyone is interested then speak to my agent.

 

James Francis Gilligan 1942-2022

It is with great sadness that Pollok FC announces the passing of life president James ‘Jimmy’ Gilligan this week at the age of 79. Introduced to the club by another former president, Tom Fyfe (both pictured below), Jimmy joined the committee in the late 1990s and served as vice president to Avril Buchanan, taking over from her in April 2002, remaining in the big ‘President’ chair until April 2004 and was a great friend to all of West Region Junior football with his long-lasting sponsorship of the New Coin West of Scotland Cup (from 2008 onwards).

Jimmy Gilligan with Tom Fyfe and the West of Scotland Cup (Evening Times)

Jimmy will go down in the history books as a successful president of Pollok FC, with the team winning the West of Scotland Super Premier Division in 2002-03 and both the SJFA Super Cup and the Central Sectional League Cup in 2003-04. A successful businessman, Jimmy was very switched on commercially and did a power of work to bring in sponsorship to the club, including from his own company, New Coin Automatics.

Deepest condolences to wife Cath and the wider family.

Below are a selection of photographs taken by Kathryn MacLeod of the teams Jimmy was president of at the time and various social occasions.

Jimmy, wife Cath and Jim Symon of Radio Clyde
Jimmy with Jim Symon and the much missed Franny McNeill
Past president Jimmy and his predecessor Avril Buchanan unveiling the Presidents’ Board
that he donated and is currently on display in the pavilion.
An assembly of former Lok presidents: Stuart Geddes, Joe Black, Tom Fyfe, Avil Buchanan,
Stuart McCulloch, Davie Elliot, Roy Pert, Gordon Ritchie, Andy Wilson, Jimmy Duncan,
Jimmy Gilligan, John Shaw, Gordon Allan.
The West of Scotland Superleague winners
The Superleague winners of 2002-03 pose, Jimmy 3rd from right.
Jimmy Gilligan. Very fondly remembered.
The Central Sectional League Cup was won on penalties at Firhill
The SJFA Supercup winners of 2003-04, Lok beating Linlithgow to lift the trophy

Chalmers Storie

It is with sadness that Pollok FC can this evening pass on news that former committee member Chalmers Storie has died at the age 91. He served on the committee in the mid 2000s during the Rab Sneddon era.

All at the club pass on their condolences to Chalmers’ family and friends at this sad time.

The funeral will take place on March 8th at 3pm. The family have shared details of an online link to the service, which are below;

https://www.obitus.com/

username: poli6881

password: 084694

Notice of AGM

This year’s AGM will take place on Monday August 31st at 7pm. The meeting will take place online via Zoom.

Members are requested to use their full name as their Zoom screen name in order to gain timely entry to the meeting. The link to the meeting is below;

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85806843693

Meeting ID: 858 0684 3693

The meeting is scheduled to run until 8:30pm. If members would like further information or are unable to attend, please email info@pollokfc.com

Notice of EGM

Members of Pollok FC are hereby notified that an EGM will take place on Wednesday 19th August 2020 at 7pm. The meeting will take place via Zoom call and members should use their full name and have their membership number at hand to be granted entry to the meeting.

The details for accessing the meeting are below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82716683569

Meeting ID: 827 1668 3569

If members would like further information or are unable to attend, please email info@pollokfc.com

Pollok FC Race Night – Tickets Available

If you joined us in February for our first race night in Loks, you’ll neigh doubt be aware what a great night it was. The runners and riders have been announced and the autumn meet will take place on October 13th at Loks Bar & Kitchen. Get in the parade ring at 7 for a 7:30 start. At ?10 a ticket, it’s a gamble you can’t lose.

First furlong – A night packed full of top racing action. Study the form, pick the horse with the best name or go with the one in black and white stripes. Whoever you choose, if it’s first past the post your wallet might get heavier as the evening goes on!

Second furlong – A superb buffet will be provided by our sponsors at Loks Bar and Kitchen. There will be plenty of nosebag to keep you going through the night! Loks also boasts one of the finest stocked bars in the Southside so you won’t go thirsty.

Final furlong – After your win you’ll be ready to hit the dancefloor as our DJ plays wall to wall floorfillers.

Tickets are?now by dropping us?email to info@pollokfc.com or by sending us a message on?Facebook or?Twitter. There will also be tickets available at next Saturday’s Scottish Cup match at home to Buchanhaven Hearts and at our home game on October 6th against Kilbirnie.

See you under starters orders!