John moves on from Broxburn after 10 years

Sep 22 2011 by Allan Valente, West Lothian Courier

A JUNIOR footballer has left Broxburn Athletic just a few weeks shy of a decade with the club.

John Wilson (28) was entering his testimonial season with the Albyn Park side and was looking forward to another action- packed campaign.

However, the utility player was placed on the transfer list at the start of the month and was immediately snapped up by Livingston United in the South Division.

He has been assured that he will still get a testimonial game to mark his service, but he was surprised to find himself surplus to requirements.

John, who is from Bo’ness, said: “It was a real shock getting put on the transfer list. Myself and a team mate, Chic Pearson, were told we were getting put on the list and we have both ended up at Livingston United.

“I’m disappointed to be leaving but I also feel like I can move on now. I have signed for Livingston and I’m feeling really good about the move.

“The manager Andy Johnstone seemed pretty keen to snap me up and they were the first club to come in for me so that always makes it an easy decision.”

John’s link with his old club actually precedes his own time as his great-great grandfather,Robert Galloway was one of the men who helped lay the first pitch at Albyn Park.

But John, who works for Reliance Custodial Services, was surprised with the way the decision to let him leave Broxburn was handled.

He added: “I wouldn’t say I’m leaving on bad terms, I just feel a wee bit aggrieved with how it’s been done.

“I think dates have still to be confirmed for my testimonial but I was told it’ll definitely still go ahead. I said I wanted to play against Bo’ness because that’s where I’m from.”

John didn’t enjoy the best of starts to life at his new club as they went down 4-0 against Tayport in the East of Scotland Cup.