Allan Maitland To Stand For Board
The club is pleased to confirm that Allan Maitland has put himself forward for election to the Board at the forthcoming AGM.
Allan, of course, needs no introduction to the Clyde support, having joined the club in 1998 and led us to our Second Division Championship win in 2000. He subsequently managed Hamilton and Alloa and for the past decade has been a director back at Hamilton Academical, latterly as chair, so brings a wealth of football experience to the Clyde Board.
If elected by the owners, Allan will take responsibility for leading the football department, a crucial role that has had a chequered history in recent times.
Gordon Thomson has welcomed Allan’s commitment to the club, commenting:-
“I am delighted that Allan has agreed to stand for election to the Board. Allan’s energy, enthusiasm and of course his experience are critical for the challenges we face. Although Allan’s role will not be limited to this, the strategic lead for the Football department is a position we have struggled to fill in the way that we envisaged, and regrettably our league position reflects that.
“I have long since advocated for the Board to enhance its skills in football experience, and Allan’s background encapsulates what we have been missing. I first met with Allan in early August and were it not for business and personal commitments he would have been keen to formalise things sooner. However, in the meantime, he has worked as closely with the club as these commitments would allow, and has already clearly demonstrated the wealth of qualities we have been searching for to fill this crucial strategic role.
“In Ian and Neil and Allan we now have strong leadership in the football department to unite behind and back to achieve the results we need. I firmly believe that we have the right appointments for the challenges ahead of us.”
Allan added:-
“I’m excited to be returning to Clyde FC and hope to establish the same bond with supporters that we had all those years ago when Ronnie was at the helm. It’s so disappointing to find the club struggling and I fully understand the challenges ahead. There are so many things that need to be improved and I’m confident that the appointment of Ian, along with the assistance of Neil, will be a massive first step in the right direction.
“I am encouraged by the enthusiasm of the board and the frankness of past failings on the football front along with their recognition that they need help – there is a desire, not only to change the losing momentum at the club but an ambition in years to come to climb up through the leagues. I know its going to be a tough journey and it can only be achieved if we have everyone pushing in the same direction. The divisions at the club appear to have been simmering for a number of years and I’ve returned on the understanding that we can change that – we all want the same thing and I’m excited at the prospect of playing my part”.