Strong support for Annan Athletic's SFL bid from local community

Jun 27 2008 by Craig Robertson

THE CAMPAIGN to get Annan Athletic into the Scottish Football League has rallied support throughout the community.

Annan are now just days away from one of their greatest ever achievements to add to the history books when they find out next Thursday if their bid to join Division Three has been successful.

But if the strength of support from Dumfries and Galloway is anything to go by, Annan’s 3/1 odds may well have to be reduced.

Hundreds of people from not only across the region but from all over Scotland, the UK and some international supporters, have been contacting the Standard via our website and by letter wishing to add their support for Annan’s bid.

And our local politicians and the council are also on board.

The local committee of councillors gave their unanimous support to the club and have sent a letter to the league backing Annan’s bid.

Annandale South councillor Sean Marshall, said: “The whole area committee has given the bid our support and we have sent a letter saying how Annan has established itself as a community club with strong links in the area and that they work closely with the council in the area to deliver sport.”

The council’s leisure and sport department has also got right behind the Annan bid and has written to the SFL.

Group manager of community services, Stewart Atkinson, said: “Dumfries and Galloway Council has, for many years now, worked in partnership with Annan Athletic FC through various projects such as community football initiatives, junior and youth football development programmes for both boys and girls, coach education, and support for facility developments at both the Galabank ground and training area.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Annan Athletic in order for them to achieve the SFA Quality Mark Development Club Accreditation.

“The leisure and sport team is also keen to continue to explore further opportunities to work with the club on capital developments.”

David Mundell, MP for the Annan area, has backed the campaign to get the club into the SPL saying it would be a boost for the area given the demise of Gretna.

He said: “I want all our local football teams to do well and that’s why I have been fully supportive of Queens and Gretna and I am continuing to support efforts to keep a football team in Gretna.

“However, now that Gretna is out of the SFL the best option is to get Annan in.

“I have already written a letter of support which has gone to the Scottish Football League.

“What’s very much in Annan Athletic’s favour is that it is a very well run club which has a solid core of support as well as strong links into the wider community.

“The club also has a very strong youth set up and is a club which is encouraging youngsters across the area to get directly involved in football.

“I had no hesitation in commending them to the SFL.”

Dumfries MSP Elaine Murray is also supporting the Annan campaign and has written a letter of support to the league.

Club bosses will make a presentation to the member clubs at Hampden on Thursday with an announcement expected in the afternoon on the successful club between Annan, Spartans, Cove Rangers, Edinburgh City and Preston Athletic.