Category: supporter information

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!

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.

Meet the backroom team

With Stewart Maxwell now comfortably in post at the club, here’s the rundown on his backroom staff and Maxi’s overview of each:

Chris McFadyen: A striker in his day, assistant manager Chris was an opponent against Lok on a number of occasions over the years when playing for Maryhill and Glencairn in the 1990s/early 00s, but the ‘back nine’ of his career was spent in the East Region with Camelon, Bathgate, Bo’ness United and Linlithgow Rose. He wound down his playing days at St. Roch’s, and was on their coaching staff when he first joined the Rob Roy set-up. “Chris has been by my side for seven years – he has great experience at this level and is both a brilliant coach and a level-headed person.”

Derek Rhoddan: Derek is the new coach at the club, and arrives at Lok from Benburb where he held a similar position. He had a playing career that involved stops at Dundee, Neilston, Arthurlie, Ards, Largs Thistle and Beith. It was at Bellsdale he began his coaching career in the late 2000s, and had a long association with them until being appointed assistant manager at St. Cadoc’s in April 2020. “Derek is another coach with terrific experience at this level and was a highly successful coach spell at Beith. I went through my UEFA badges with Derek. He is organised and professional attention to detail is what he brings to the table.”

Brian McNeil: Goalkeeping coach Brian arrives from Rob Roy where he had assisted Maxi for the past seven years.“He has great experience, sets high standards and is an excellent, loyal coach.”

Coach/data analyst Ryan Dakhil remains in his role from before.“When we came in Ryan was part of the old coaching staff. He is enthusiastic and his great personality was there for all to see. I’ve a history of giving young coaches an opportunity and I am delighted that Ryan’s on board – he loves the club and is desperate for success.”

Ashley Barr (physio) and David Mason (kit controller) complete the modified matchday line-up.

Behind the scenes, Martin Ferry and Des Roache join as the club’s chief scouts. Martin and Des formed the Kilbirnie Ladeside management team from April 2020 until August 2021, while their careers prior to that had taken different directions – Martin an experienced manager with Renfrew and Junior player prior to that, while Des was a ‘senior list’ referee from 2005 until 2015, the last five years being at Category One standard.

 

Loks of stocking fillers available!

Fans have an opportunity to stock up on some last minute Pollok stocking fillers ahead of the big day! The clubhouse will be open on Friday 23rd from 6-7pm, and on Saturday 24th from 11am-12pm.

We have home and third shirts available for purchase. Those who pre-ordered a home shirt can collect theirs. These will be put aside so rest assured, yours will not be sold in the event that you cannot collect it this week.

In stock we have

Home shirts – £40/£30 – all sizes available.
Third shirts – £40 – only adult S-L available
White training jackets- £30
Scarves – £12
Bobble hats – £12
Gloves – £10
Wristbands – £3
Keyrings – £3
Pin badges – £3
1981 Junior Cup books – £5
Stickers – 50p/£1

Darren’s Darvel Again

It can officially be confirmed that midfielder Darren Miller has been transferred back to Darvel. All at Lok thank him for his time with the club and wish him well for the future.