Broxburn board thrilled at title win despite ‘nomadic season’

May 27 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

THE Broxburn Athletic board have praised the achievements of the side on the park while so much has been happening off it.

With the club now primed and ready to move into a fully refurbished Albyn Park, they are preparing for a new campaign in the Premier League and club secretary Jim Provan has admitted it has been a season to remember.

Provan said: “The committee are absolutely delighted by this excellent accomplishment which has been achieved under very difficult conditions.

“It was only last June when the new management team was appointed with Steven Pittman as manager and Stephen McIlhone and Grant Fairley as his coaches.

“But from day one, Steven and his team set themselves the target of winning the Bukta South East League and the promotion that comes with that to the Premier League.

“This was a very challenging target at that time considering that re-development of Albyn Park had just commenced and best estimates were that this work would last 10 months.

“The management team had to convince new players to sign for the club on the understanding that they would have to train and play all ‘home games’ away from Broxburn.

“Since the start of the pre-season, our playing squad's attitude has been superb.

“They have been totally focussed on the task ahead and not one of them has uttered a complaint about our nomadic existence.

“The team has only lost two games all season, but there was a period back in January where a disappointing away defeat to the then current league leaders Tranent was closely followed by a draw away at Dalkeith.

“This appeared then, to kill of our promotion hopes but the team then went on a 13-game unbeaten run which resulted in winning the championship on Saturday which also resulted in our biggest crowd of the season.

“This has been a difficult season financially for the club, as there has been a big outlay for the renting of pitches and training facilities.

“Our travels have also resulted in less spectators coming through the gates but hopefully this will all change when we are back at our superb new facilities at Albyn Park.

“Our players are deservedly enjoying this moment and they have brought great credit to themselves, the club and the town of Broxburn.”

Over the season the Burn used Creamery Park, Station Park, Craigswood Stadium and Beechwood Park as home venues and Cunningham has offered thanks to each of the clubs who helped out.

Next season Broxburn will return to Albyn Park for their crack at the Premier League but Provan reveals the board have high hopes for the future.

The new community Albyn Park has a UEFA-approved 3G pitch with floodlights while the clubhouse boasts changing rooms, a meeting room, a physio room, a laundry and upstairs club room which will be able to offer refreshments and food.

Cunningham added: “This is what the club has been aiming for and we understand the challenges that this will bring.

“Representatives from the club have watched many teams in this league and it is recognised that it is a very strong league where the quality as you would expect in a bit higher.

“We are a ball passing team with our own quality players and with a strong work ethic. Our management team are now working on their plans on how we can establish ourselves in this league in our first season.

“But, again we will set ourselves an aggressive target.

“BAFC are sure Premier League clubs and supporters will enjoy coming to play at Broxburn next season.”