Category: news

Brian McNeil

It is with great sadness and sorrow that Pollok Football Club reports the passing of our goalkeeping coach Brian McNeil.

Brian joined the club in late 2022, following Stewart Maxwell, with whom he had worked alongside for seven years at Kirkintilloch Rob Roy. Stewart paid tribute to his friend on social media following the sad news:

 

Brian was well known throughout the football community. Likeable, kindhearted and loyal, were just a few of the big guy’s traits. A devoted family man who will be missed by many. On a personal level, Chris McFadyen and I will feel this loss more than many. At the moment, I cannot describe the loss the big man is to us. Love you big man, and rest easy.

Stewart Maxwell, Pollok Manager

Brian (second from the right) with the rest of the Pollok coaching staff at the recent Player of the Year night.

The thoughts of all at the club are very much with his wife Sandra, their family and friends, our coaching staff among them. 

Graeme Ross funeral details

Pollok FC regrets to inform of the passing of former committee member Graeme Ross recently. Before covid-19 struck, Graeme took responsibility for the gates at Newlandsfield.

His funeral will be at the Linn Crematorium on the 9th of May at 11am and thereafter to the Redhurst Hotel. All are very welcome.

Deepest condolences to his family and friends from all at the club.

Newlandsfield Remembers Iain Ashcroft

Prior to yesterday’s match against Cambuslang Rangers, Newlandsfield came together to remember former Pollok defender Iain Ashcroft who tragically passed away three weeks ago. His family were in attendance, alongside his 1997 Junior Cup final winning team-mates who led the present-day Pollok team onto the park for a rousing minutes applause.

 

The 1997 Scottish Junior Cup squad led Newlandsfield in a tribute to Iain Ashcroft.

After seven years at rivals Arthurlie, ‘Ashy’ had a job on his hands to win over a sceptical Pollok support when he signed in 1995, but his commitment to the team and wholehearted approach to the game soon won them over. His finest hour came when he played through a ligament injury to lift the Scottish Junior Cup in 1997, and the turnout from his former team-mates yesterday demonstrated the high regard he was held in by them all.

In all, Ashy made 108 appearances for Pollok, with only one coming off the bench. He scored five goals and lifted a Central League title, Junior Cup and West of Scotland Cup.

Iain Ashcroft: 1962 – 2023

 

Iain Ashcroft 1962-2023

It is with great sadness that Pollok FC has learned of the death of former player Iain Ashcroft yesterday (4th April 2023) at the age of 60. Deepest condolences on behalf of the wider Pollok family to all of Iain’s nearest and dearest.

A more in-depth tribute shall follow in due course.

Iain can be seen below alongside former defensive partners Iain Spittal and Ronnie Lowrie.

Pretty in Pink (and Purple!)

Pre-order the new Pollok FC away shirt for 23-24!

It’s the most eye-catching shirt in our history, and you can pre-order it now! Bespoke pink and purple design, sponsored by Westpoint Homes.

The shirt is a slim fit design, so it is advised you buy a size up from your usual.  This is only available for pre-order right now.

Your order will be marked as “Fulfilled” after it has been dispatched.

https://pollokfc.sumupstore.com/product/23-24-child-away-shirt-pre-order (£30)

https://pollokfc.sumupstore.com/product/23-24-adult-away-shirt-pre-order (£40)

 

Maxi Cas-sells Alex The Newlandsfield Dream

Pollok are delighted to able to announce the signing of former Kirkintilloch Rob Roy forward Alex Cassells. Alex, 25, is a product of the youth systems of both Falkirk and Hearts, and had a spell on the books of Partick Thistle as a teen but has spent the last 8 years in and around the West of Scotland set-up, with Rossvale (initially on loan) and Petershill prior to Rabs. He started off this season with Huntershill Amateurs though moved on from them a few weeks ago. Alex joins the club on an 18-month contract to link up again with former boss Stewart Maxwell, but will be put out on loan for the remainder of the season.

Welcome to Pollok, Alex!

Gary McCann Loks in 150 Games

Congratulations to Gary McCann who reached 150 Games in Pollok colours during last weekend’s match against Beith.

Gary McCann was signed in 2016 from Irvine Meadow and has become a fan favourite winning Player of the Year in 2017-2018.

During his time at Newlandsfield Gary McCann has scored 30 goals and created many more with sharp attacking moves down the flanks, and with a turn of pace that makes him a tricky opponent for even the more experienced defenders.

We have some clips of Gary’s best moments playing for Pollok and we hope for many more!

Double signing boost for Lok

Stewart Maxwell has added his second and third signings this week as he looks to put his mark on the team. First up was Kenny Barr and he is followed by 21-year-old attacking midfielder Jay Nelson. Lang born and bred, Jay has been with Cambuslang Rangers’ West of Scotland League side for over 18 months and spent the ‘covid’ season with the St. Cadoc’s development side. His footballing education was spent with various youth clubs in the east end. Lok fans might recognise his proud father were he to take in any games watching his boy.


Kenny (left) and Jay (right).

Speaking to the website about the new arrivals, manager Stewart Maxwell said: “Jay and Kenny are two young, talented midfielders. They will bring energy and technical ability to the squad.

“They are both at a great age and being at a big club like Pollok can help them improve and take their development to the next level.”

Welcome to Newlandsfield, Jay and Kenny!

Farewell to Dylan Dykes

It can be confirmed today that Dylan Dykes has left the club to rejoin St. Cadoc’s. He originally joined Lok from St. Cadoc’s in March 2022, making his debut against Hurlford United and his first goal for the club arriving from the penalty spot at Troon a month later. In total, Dylan started 13 games for the club, came off the bench a further 3 times and scored four goals. Dylan had a serious health scare in the autumn that saw him take a sabbatical from playing, meaning that his last competitive game for the club came at Buffs Park against Kilwinning Rangers.

Speaking to the PFC website, manager Stewart Maxwell said: “I would just like to wish Dylan all the best. I’m sure he will be a big success in St. Cadoc’s promotion bid.”

Captain David Brownlie was sad to see his teammate move on. He told us “I’ve known Dykesy since I was 15 and got nothing but good words to say about him.”

“His mentality and postive attitude after receiving his diagnosis, from the outside you’d never know he was suffering from such a serious illness but his personality got him through the tough times and helped us as a team come together to beat Annan in the Scottish Cup.”

“I wish him all the very best in his next steps for his career.”

All at Lok wish him well for the future.