Ardrossan Winton Rovers
Rebuilding the Rovers
At the end of last season, Winton Rovers chairman Dougie Rae told us about his hopes for the team and the board's plans for the club off the field.
The Herald went back to Winton Park, the Ardrossan junior football club's home, this week to see how things are progressing and found them with a hospitality and meeting facility opened, a gymnasium and a sports injury clinic on the way shortly and Rovers top of the league.
"We have complete the hospitality facility, the gymnasium nears completion and the fully qualified team physiotherapist is committed to working with the club to make the sports injury clinic a reality," said Mr Rae.
The chairman said Winton had held discussions with Irvine Bay Regeneration Company this time last year.
"We hoped to secure their support to realise the potential of Winton Park as a community asset. These talks were both disappointing and fruitless."
"Winton Rovers consequently decided to embark on an ambitious plan of rebuilding the stand, upgrading spectator facilities, improving the playing surface and creating a community asset in the middle of the town."
Winton say there were invaluable offers of support from organisations and individuals who shared the same vision and commitment.
"On many occassions I have referred to 'The Friends of Winton' and they have indeed been true friends."
"Cunningham Housing Association, in particular Hugh McGhee and Colin McKee have been fully supportive. The Scottish Training Foundation has supplied manpower to assist with the ongoing project."
"Pat Breen continues to support the cause along with joiner Billy Dean, painter Billy Brown, roofer Wilson Boyd, roofer and insulatior John Breen, builders Alistair and George McKenzie, electricians Alistair McClellan and Ronnie Anderson, accountant Kenneth Rae, builders Ken Gaston plus Taylor & Henderson and in particular Martin McAllister who provided legal advice and general support."
"Local publicans Billy Woods, Jim Borland and Anne-Marie McMail have all supported our efforts too."
"Many of these friends have grown up in the shadow of Winton Park and we are grateful to each and every one of them."
Mr Rae added "The committee, players and manager wish to thank supporters who continue to back our mbition to gain promotion and provide a higher level of football in Ardrossan."
This article has been reproduced by kind permission the editor, Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald.