So come on get along on Friday night and support a local team and watch what should be a good game of football. If you can’t get along check back here on Monday and read the match report and and listen to the interviews.
Tomorrow sees the start of the East of Scotland Football League and the first game of the league campaign sees a local derby in North Edinburgh. Spartans will make the short trip to Marine Drive to play Civil Service Strollers. Civil will still be on a high following their victory last week in the first round of the Sottish Cup and their manager Chic McAleavy will be delighted that influential player Michael Somerville will return for tomorrows game.
Michael Somerville (right) will be back after missing last weeks game. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
Spartans will be hoping to bounce back after their defeat last week in the Scottish Cup, the new management team of Dougie Samuel and Neil Irvine will be keen to get their league campaign of to a flyer.
All the action kicks off tomorrow at Telford College playing fields at Marine Drive and kick off is at 2.30pm and the best part is there is no entry fee, so pop along and see what should be an excellent game.
There were mixed fortunes for the two local clubs in Saturday’s Scottish Cup second round ties. The Spartans suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Wick Academy, but Civil Service Strollers go marching on into Round Three following a fine 4-0 victory over Newton Stewart.
Civil Service Strollers welcome Spartans to Marine Drive in an East of Scotland League match this Saturday (1 September) at 2.30pm.
Alan Clark checks out local clubs’ prospects as the new season kicks off …
For the local teams of North Edinburgh, the new season is well under way. The area has two clubs in the top division of the East of Scotland set-up – The Spartans FC and Civil Service Strollers FC. Leith Athletic FC dropped down to the First Division for the new campaign, and join Craigroyston FC there.
Having taken over from long-serving co-managers Sam Lynch and Mike Lawson, Spartans boss Douglas Samuel is keen to re-claim the league title but is wary of holders Stirling University, who have recruited ex-Falkirk manager Eddie May as boss. He said: “The short term goal is to win the title back. I believe we are capable of doing so. However, two or three other club managers will be thinking and feeling exactly the same way.”
The Ainslie Park side are going through a transition and have started blooding more youngsters in the first-team. Samuel explained: “I believe our new squad has a good combination of established players with a great pedigree and proven track record mixed with younger players with great potential; however, it’s also fair to say that it’s a work in progress.”
After a trophy-less season just past, Samuel is desperate to win silverware in his debut in the Spartans’ dugout, and sees a huge benefit from a Scottish Cup run. Spartans host Highland League outfit Wick Academy in the Cup on Saturday 25 August. He added: “Clearly after a season when the team didn’t win a single trophy we are desperate to win something this coming season. A Scottish Cup run would give everyone a huge lift at the start of our journey.”
Civil Service Strollers will be looking to raise their game as they strive to better last season’s disappointing 7th place finish in the Premier Division. Manager Chic McAleavey – appointed near the start of the year – will be hoping to put his stamp on the team. Newton Stewart, from the South of Scotland League, will travel to Silverknowes this Saturday in the Scottish Cup, the draw giving the Strollers a great opportunity of making the next round of the prestigious old tournament.
With an opening-day league fixture at home to local rivals Spartans on the first day of September, it gives the Strollers something to look forward to and a good result there would give them a confidence boost heading into their league campaign.
Relegated last season, Derek Riddel’s Leith Athletic are looking for a swift return to the top-tier, with a title success on their minds. He said: “Two teams are promoted from the First Division to the Premier so whilst we’d be happy just getting there, I’d have to say that going up as champions would be sweeter. We finished a very close second to Gretna 2008 two years ago so it would be nice to win the league and give the players a medal to cherish.”
However, Riddel is well aware of the forward planning that the club officials have who see Leith as a long-term project. He added: “We’ve only been in the East of Scotland league for four seasons, with this being our fifth. In that time we’ve won a cup, been promoted and been relegated. A lot of clubs haven’t achieved that in a longer period of time and whilst promotion is our aim for the season, the club’s committee are looking at the long-term future of the club and they see great potential over the longer term.”
Craigroyston, who finished a respectable fifth in the First Division, are looking forward to meeting Leith in the league and expect their players who have Premier League experience will aid their promotion hopes. Head coach Ross McNeil said: “I have played the Leith team over the years as a youth manager and I always enjoyed playing them – I am looking forward to playing them even more in the East of Scotland league. We have the right balance of experienced players who have got out of this league before and this was one of the reasons in signing these players as they have played well in the Premier League.”
Having taken over from long-serving co-managers Sam Lynch and Mike Lawson, Spartans boss Douglas Samuel is keen to re-claim the league title for the club as well as go on another famous Scottish Cup run (writes Alan Clark). In this exclusive interview with North Edinburgh News, Samuel also discusses the young element of the new Spartans squad and entering the SFL in the future.
Stirling University, who have recruited ex-Falkirk manager Eddie May as boss, pipped Spartans to the league championship on goal difference on the last day of the season and Samuel has admitted wrestling the title back is one of the priorities he has as manager.
He said: “The short term goal is to win the title back. I believe we are capable of doing so. However, two or three other club managers will be thinking and feeling exactly the same way.”
The Ainslie Park side are going through a transition and have started blooding more youngsters in the first-team. Samuel explained: “I believe our new squad has a good combination of established players with a great pedigree and proven track record mixed with younger players with great potential; however, it’s also fair to say that it’s a work in progress.
“It’s a new squad and the start of a new era of major transition for the football club on and off the park. From last year’s squad, five experienced players have moved on. Everyone in the group has a real desire to do well, to restore the club to its former glories.
“The immediate test is to integrate our new signings, to create a real sense of togetherness and understanding around how we would like to play throughout the group. I know from past experience that both of these things take time to develop and achieve.”
After a trophy-less season Samuel is desperate to win silverware in his debut in the Spartans’ dugout, and sees a huge benefit from a Scottish Cup run. He added: “Success for us will come in various shapes and forms. Clearly after a season when the team didn’t win a single trophy we are desperate to win something this coming season. A Scottish Cup run would give everyone a huge lift at the start of our journey.”
Samuel, who is also Development Manager at the club’s Community Football Academy, is looking at his squad’s development as well as the obvious craving for success through silverware. He commented: “If, by the end of the season, we have improved as a group and each player has developed and improved as a player then that would represent real progress and success. Crucially, it’s also something we can control. Whether or not that results in silverware, time will tell.”
The former Edinburgh University boss, who spent nine years with the club, believes the proposed Highland and Lowland league – which would create a route into senior league football – would be a great thing for the game and his club.
He said: “A pyramid system would be great for Scottish football. As a club we would relish the opportunity of playing our way into the Scottish Football League. Our current focus is on meeting short term goals but with one eye on the future too.
“For example, the majority of our new signings are young players starting off their careers with what we hope will be their best years in front of them. This season is the start of a transition, however, the goal remains to win football matches and see where that takes us in terms of winning silverware.”
More than forty children took part in Play2Learn’s Olympic football competition at the Royal High School yesterday.
Ranging in age from four up to teenagers, it was a fun day for all of the youngsters who represented the footballing nations of the world at the event.
And the champions? In a hard-fought contest it was – you’ve guessed it – local heroes Team GB who came out on top to lift the trophy!
Mike Lawson, the former co-manager of Spartans, spoke out against the hierarchy of Spartans Football Club this week after he and Sam Lynch were relieved of their duties at Ainslie Park.
In an explosive interview with the North Edinburgh News, Lawson blasted members of the board for forcing the pair out and believes they have been trying to do so for “four or five years”. Match secretary Jimmy Murray resigned following the decision to dump the co-managers, saying he “wanted nothing to do with the committee’s decision to sack Sam and Mike.”
There was no sign of any ill-feeling towards the former management pair from the man that took the decision, though. Chairman Craig Graham said: “We are embarking on a five-year plan with licencing, the introduction of a Lowland League and hopefully a place in the SFL. The committee decided that this was a good time to change as we want to build and introduce young players. We are an ambitious club with excellent facilities.”
Preferring to focus on the positives of their time at the club, Castle FM sports reporter – and Spartans supporter – Cameron Hobbs heaped praise on the duet that has seen the north Edinburgh club win several trophies over an 11-year spell, describing them as “legends”.
He said: “As far as I’m concerned Mike and Sam are Spartans legends. In my time as a fan of the club I’ve seen us go on several Scottish Cup runs, beating several SFL sides. I’ve seen us win every single cup we can – out with the main Scottish Cup. Nobody can take away what great servants they have been to Spartans and I’m therefore sad to see them leave.”
As much as Hobbs is disappointed in the departure of Messrs Lawson and Lynch, he is confident in the future of the club and sees it developing further.
He added: “I believe we still have a very exciting future ahead. We will continue to focus and drive forward to hopefully play our way into the Scottish 3rd Division and beyond. The Spartans fan base is ever growing and I’m already looking forward to next season.”
Mike LAWSON, co-manager of Spartans with Sam Lynch for the past 11 seasons, has lifted the lid on the turn of events at Ainslie Park which saw the pair leave the club earlier this week.
While Spartans have suffered a rare season without silverware, the loss of their East Seniors Premier Division title on the final day of the season to nearest rivals Stirling University and then defeat in the King Cup final to the same side, apparently masked much deeper schisms in the managerial set-up.
Mike Lawson is critical of the Spartans Board. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
Lawson was today keen to set the record straight.
“Craig Graham [The Spartans chairman] telephoned me on Monday to tell me Sam and my services were no longer required,” he said. “In over 20 years of football management I’ve made a few mistakes but the biggest was staying with Spartans after I walked out of a meeting held a couple of days after our pre-season game against Manchester United last July.
“Match secretary Jimmy Murray, along with Sam Lynch, had persuaded me to join the club 11 years ago and it was only for them and the players that I stayed.
“At that first meeting, Sam and I had with the committee since the previous successful season, you’d have thought the first thing on the agenda would be some sort of congratulations? On the contrary, with every domestic trophy you can win in the East of Scotland League sitting on the cabinet behind us, they laid into Sam and me with a list of things they weren’t happy about.
“I told Sam I wasn’t listening and walked out. I should never have gone back. I was never a ‘true’ Spartan but Sam had been with the club as a player, coach and manager for over 20 years. He is the most successful manager the club will ever have and the first in its 60-year history to be sacked.
“Managers at Spartans have always been ex-players who all knew when it was time to move on. Sam has been there longer than any and his success warranted it. He wasn’t ready to go and should never have been pushed. His treatment has been shoddy and his sacking a disgrace.
“Since Monday I have found out that the committee have been trying to get rid of Sam and me for four or five years and I now know who has been trying to force us out. Our continued success must have been grating. It’s, dare I say it, ‘not in the Spartans way’ – more Roman and ‘Et tu, Brute?’
“Sam deserves much better. He’s worked for the club for nothing. As well as helping me with the first team, he’s pulled together the youth and Junior coaches to help develop our promising youngsters and, unknown to me, he enrolled the two of us on SFA Coaching courses to help with club licensing. I’ve since found out that he paid for that himself.
“I still have a hunger for the game and hope to stay in football in some capacity.”
Lynch, who had a successful playing career with Spartans before coaching and managing the club for the past 20 years, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time as a player and as a manger with Spartans. I have worked with some great people and I have nothing but fond memories although I am disappointed at the way it has ended.
“I wish whoever replaces us every success and that they help move the club forward and into the SFL. I will never lose my affection for The Spartans.”
Murray, who joined Spartans as match secretary as the same time as Lawson and has since been a committee member and latterly a director, resigned on Monday before Lynch and Lawson were relieved of their duties saying he “wanted nothing to do with the committee’s decision to sack Sam and Mike.”
Craig Graham, The Spartans chairman, said: “We are embarking on a five-year plan with licencing, the introduction of a Lowland League and hopefully a place in the SFL. The committee decided that this was a good time to change as we want to build and introduce young players. We are an ambitious club with excellent facilities.”
An early favourite for the vacant position is certain to be the successful Edinburgh University head coach, Douglas Samuel, who is also the Development Manager at The Spartans Community Football Academy. Samuel previously played with Spartans while his assistant at Edinburgh University, Neil Irvine, is also a former player.
Lothian and Borders Police have praised the public for ensuring the Scottish Cup Final between Heart of Midlothian FC and Hibernian FC and the yesterday’s victory parade was a huge success for the city of Edinburgh.
Over 50,000 supporters attended the match at Hampden stadium, while thousands more watched the match at home or within licensed premises. Yesterday, approximately 100,000 people around the city participated in the victory celebrations and watched the Hearts team travel from the City Chambers to Tynecastle Stadium in Gorgie.
Lothian and Borders Police and their partner agencies carried out a major operation on match day and on the day of the parade to ensure public safety was maintained throughout and to facilitate an historic and family-friendly weekend for the capital, and all organisations involved would now like to thank supporters of both clubs and members of the public alike for their responsible behaviour and good spirits over the past two days.
Eight people were arrested in Edinburgh on Saturday for offences including alleged breaches of the peace and assault, but police and partners have hailed the weekend as a major success with no significant incidents having occurred.
Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “With Edinburgh’s two professional teams facing each other in a major cup final, worldwide attention focused on Edinburgh, Glasgow and the fans and organisations associated with the match. I am delighted by the manner in which members of the public conducted themselves. Both sets of fans were a credit to themselves and their clubs as they travelled to and from Glasgow and while they watched the match, either within the stadium, at home or in licensed premises.”
She went on: “Detailed planning between all partner agencies was carried out prior to this event to ensure the public were aware of all key issues including transport arrangements, local bylaws and planned activities for both clubs. Significant police resources were in place to assist fans as they made their way to watch the match and to deal with any issues that arose. The feedback from officers across all forces has been extremely positive and the engagement between police and public appears to have been a key factor. “Lothian and Borders Police have a wealth of experience in facilitating large events within Edinburgh and worked closely with both clubs and the City of Edinburgh Council to agree two separate parade routes. Once the result of yesterday’s match was decided, the parade plan for City Chambers to Tynecastle Stadium was implemented to allow fans the chance to safely view their team with the Scottish Cup and enjoy the celebrations put on by the club. We would like to thank our local communities for all their assistance, support and co-operation throughout this momentous weekend.”
With THE BIG DAY fast approaching, Lothian and Borders Assistant Chief Constable Bill Skelly has issued the following message:
On Saturday 19 May, Heart of Midlothian FC and Hibernian FC will compete for the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park, Glasgow. This is the first time since 1896 that two Edinburgh teams have made it to the final and the day should be one of great pride for the capital city.
The Scottish Cup Final weekend will present some unique challenges for communities in and around Edinburgh and for Lothian and Borders Police.
Large numbers of fans will travel to the national stadium in Glasgow for the game resulting in an influx in the numbers utilising the transport infrastructure, including the road and rail networks.
It is important that those using these networks over the weekend leave plenty time for their journey and are prepared for possible delays Our partners at City of Edinburgh Council and First Scotrail have already released details of the provisions and plans in place for facilitating travel to the West and back.
I would strongly advise supporters to consult all the partner agency websites for updates relating to transport issues, policing messages and guidance from the respective football clubs.
With such a busy weekend of sport due to be televised, Lothian and Borders Police fully anticipate the various licensed premises across Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders to experience an increase in business. Many of those attending the Cup Final may also wish to drink before heading to the match, which they are free to do so either at home or at a pub or restaurant.
However, it is important that people adopt a responsible attitude and ensure their behaviour does not place them or others at risk of harm. It is a momentous occasion for the city and we want everyone to enjoy the festival of sport.
Lothian and Borders Police, Strathclyde Police and British Transport Police have worked closely with one another and with both Hearts and Hibs to prevent alcohol from ruining a special day for the capital.
Fans travelling by rail and coach have already been made aware that drinking onboard is prohibited and officers from each force will carry out various policing activities to remove alcohol from anyone found in possession.
Last weekend, police in Edinburgh’s city-centre carried out unannounced inspections at a number of pubs and clubs to ensure the terms of their licenses were being adhered to. Staff at these venues were offered crime prevention advice ahead of the cup final weekend and are urged to report any criminal behaviour immediately. Officers will provide a visible presence within these establishments across the weekend to offer reassurance and deal with any issues, which may arise.
Sectarian behaviour within Scottish football is very topical at the moment and active steps are being taken by all police Forces and football clubs and governing bodies to address this issue. It is important that everyone can attend football matches and related events without fear of prejudice or discrimination. The Scottish Cup final should be a time for celebration and the public are reminded that police in Scotland will use relevant legislation in response to those acting in an unacceptable manner.
Regardless of the result, Sunday 20 May will be a day of celebration within the city and detailed planning has been ongoing between Lothian and Borders Police, City of Edinburgh Council and the football clubs in respect of a victory parade for the winning side.
The event will be a time for friends and family to come together and savour the success of their team and our communities can rest assured that public safety is paramount during all planning discussions.
The parade routes for the victorious team can already be found on the Lothian and Borders Police blog as well as on the respective club websites and fans are urged to consult these sites to determine their best position for seeing the trophy.
Communication between the partner agencies and the public has been at the forefront of this operation and all organisations are keen to utilise their various platforms for reaching our communities.
As well as operational updates on the police website – http://www.lbp.police.uklive matchday tweets with all relevant information can be received by following @LBP_Police and using the hashtag #LBPCup.
On behalf of Lothian and Borders Police I would like to wish both sides the best of luck for Saturday and I sincerely hope that supporters and neutrals alike experience a safe and well-tempered cup final weekend.
