Gala Fairydean Rovers are delighted to announce the appointment of Martin ‘Jimmy’ Scott and Stevie Craig as our new management team until the end of the season following the departure of Neil Hastings to a full time role in football. Jimmy has been with the club for six months as first team coach and then Assistant Manager and is relishing the opportunity to take charge of the Lowland League outfit. He has appointed former Aberdeen player, Steven Craig, as his Assistant Manager and he will join the club this week.
Speaking following his appointment Jimmy said: “I’m honoured and excited to be appointed manager of the club and I am really looking forward to getting started this week. “It will be a smooth transition for me, and this is credit to the players, staff and everyone who’s involved in the operation of the club. “I’ve worked very closely with Neil over the last 6 months and ultimately the philosophy will remain the same in how we want to approach the game although I will always keep putting the demands on the players to improve on the good work already done.
“I have added Steven Craig to assist with first team operations and to attract someone of Stevie’s pedigree shows what a fantastic club we have here and he’s very excited to start working with myself, staff and the squad. “On a personal note, I’m absolutely delighted for Neil moving into a full time role within football. “He certainly deserves that opportunity and I have no doubt he will be a huge success. “Anyone associated with the club would agree this day would eventually arrive as he has a big future in coaching and management, and he certainly leaves Gala with everyone’s best wishes.” Hastings arrived at Netherdale in May 2019 and made an immediate impact on the club with his professionalism, ambition and passion leading the club to their highest league finish last season. In his first management job, it was clear from an early stage that he was destined to move up the ladder in Scottish Football and the club are thankful for everything he has done for Gala and wish him well in his new post. Neil said: “Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman and the Board for their belief and trust in giving me my first managerial post back in May 2019. They have continued to support and help me during my time at the club and for that I will be forever grateful. “Secondly, I would like to thank everyone behind the scenes at the club. At Gala this group is not a huge number and all of them are volunteers and at any level there is a lot of time & work that must be put in to get games on. “Washing strips, setting up goals, running turnstiles and hospitality, are all jobs that need to be done and both the players and I appreciate it. “Finally, I need to thank all of the players and every member of staff who have been at the club during my time. Please believe me none of them pay their mortgage from being at the club but their commitment & the sacrifices they have made have been second to none. “I believe we currently have a fantastic group of players and staff who I have enjoyed working and spending time with! “In football there are many ups and downs and during my time at the club this has been no different. We have had positive results and disappointing results and performances, but the most frustrating thing is we haven’t been able to complete a full season during my time due to each season being prematurely finished due to covid. “I leave a fantastic club with good people who have good morals & beliefs. I leave with fond memories and friends for life. Thanks, and take care.” Club Chairman, Ryan Cass, added: “Three seasons ago we lost our way a little and lost our identity, it was so important we got that back. When Neil was appointed, he knew how important it was for Gala to play a certain way. His philosophy matched the club’s which was really exciting. “When the club decided to appoint Neil there were a few people outside the club that were very surprised as we finished in 8th place the season before but we knew that we got the right man for the job to bring back that identity and produce a team that the town could be proud of. “Since then we have gone from strength to strength and it has been the most successful period of the club’s history with a 6th place league finish and progressing to the third round of the Scottish Cup this year narrowly being defeated by League 2 contenders Annan Athletic. “I can’t thank Neil, the coaching staff and the players enough over the last few seasons and wish him all the best for the future. It didn’t surprise me when a club from the top level came calling as his coaching skills are second to none but most importantly as a person he is a great guy that wants to constantly learn and develop as a coach. “He has built a tremendous team spirit here at Gala which hasn’t gone unseen as the season tickets sales have been on the rise for the last two seasons. “The club wishes him good luck to not only our now ex-manager but to our friend and no doubt he’ll progress even further in the game. “We also want to wish Martin Scott and Steven Craig who will take the team along with coach Colin McCall until the end of the season all the very best.”
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