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Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
East Kilbride boss: We won't be making 'big name' signings now we are in SPFL
Mick Kennedy has stressed Kilby won't be splashing the cash on 'stellar' signings over the summer as he aims to stick to successful model that won club promotion East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy has warned fans not to expect any glamour signings now the club is in the SPFL. But he has targeted six fresh faces to spearhead Kilby's push for the League Two title next season. The Lowland League champions won promotion to the fourth tier last month with a play-off victory over Bonnyrigg Rose to claim their place in the professional ranks for the first time. Work is well underway to strengthen the side for a title-tilt but while Kennedy admits they will bring in plenty of fresh faces, he says he won't be going for any so-called big names in the transfer market. Kennedy said: 'Our style of play dictates our recruitment. There's only a certain type of player who can fit into our structure. 'Some people are maybe expecting us to come up and announce some stellar names and stuff like that. There won't be any of that nonsense, like us signing Championship players. 'It will be boys about 23 or 24 who have played some degree of games in the SPFL. There will be nothing major happening. 'It's people we think we can coach well and develop, and who will give us the best opportunity to get out of League Two. 'The squad during my time has always been made up like that. Now and again there have been some experienced boys we've managed to get hold of. 'But there will be nothing that will make you go 'wow', I can assure people of that. 'I am not saying it isn't possible for us, it is just not my style. I really don't think there will be anything significant in terms of a 'name', but we are confident that if we get the players we are trying to bring in, we will certainly have one of the strongest squads in the league. 'There are deals in place that we are hoping to announce shortly. We will bring in six players as we look for a squad around 20. 'Once things settle we will start to look at the loan market and see what is available. We are working away and hopefully we will start to get some over the line this week.' East Kilbride announced last week who will be retained for next season and who has been released. The club has 13 players from the promotion winning squad sticking around with Sean Fagan, Jordan McGregor, Jamie Hamilton, David Ferguson, Reegan Mimnaugh, Lewis Spence, Joao Balde, Nathan Flanagan, Cami Elliott, Luke Main, Broque Watson, John Robertson and skipper Jack Leitch all retained. Those being released are Chris Truesdale, David Wilson, Adam Livingstone, Ian McShane and Scott Ferguson, while loan stars Matty Connelly (Motherwell), Daire O'Connor (Hamilton Accies), Cameron McKinley (Stirling Albion) and Zander Craik (Kilmarnock) return to their parent clubs. There are names among the retained list who could attract interest from bigger clubs, with the likes of ex-Hamilton Accies man Reegan Mimnaugh having a great campaign in 2024/25, but Kennedy is confident none of his key players will be going anywhere during the transfer window. He added: 'The retained players are those we've had conversations with and who all want to stay. I have a good enough relationship with the boys that if something came up they would speak to me. 'I wouldn't imagine anyone on the retained list is going to go anywhere. They enjoy the environment, the style of play and how the club is run. No disrespect to other clubs, but I think many of them would struggle to find something similar at this level. 'East Kilbride is arguably the best-run part-time club in the country and everybody has said they are fully committed for next season.'
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Kyle Lafferty leads wild Johnstone Burgh celebrations as former Rangers star makes history with Junior Cup heroics
Lafferty scored the winning penalty to lift the cup with Johnstone Burgh Buzzing Kyle Lafferty was on a high having made history with Johnstone Burgh after the striker netted the winning penalty in the Scottish Junior Cup final. The ex- Rangers and Northern Ireland star came on as a second-half substitute to help Murdo MacKinnon's side secure the trophy for the first time since 1968. He said: 'It's brilliant for myself to score a winning goal, to win the penalty shoot-out. For all that to be put on my shoulders was massive for me. 'And I knew how much it meant to the club. The first thing the club said to me was 'we need to win the Scottish Junior Cup in the two years you're here', and we've done it.' MacKinnon is now only the third Keanie Park manager to lift this trophy alongside Jimmy Blackburn and Peter Donald. He said: 'I've always had a strong belief in this group of players – they make magic happen. I was confident we'd do it and to win in the manner we did – I'm over the moon.' Lafferty wrote his name into Burgh folklore as he ended the club's 57-year wait to lift the Junior Cup. The former Rangers and Northern Ireland star stepped up to net the crucial spot-kick in a 4-2 penalty kicks win against Lowland League side Tranent after a 1-1 draw. Keeper Luke Scullion saved from Euan Bauld after Dean Brett had missed the opening penalty of the Broadwood Stadium shoot-out. Ciaran Diver levelled the score for Murdo MacKinnon's team after Harry Girdwood gave the Big T the lead right on half-time. It was a bright and positive start from Burgh who had the backing of around 3,000 Burgh supporters who made the trip from Renfrewshire to North Lanarkshire. Among those in the crowd keeping an eye on the game was former Rangers midfielder Graham Dorrans who turned out for Burgh last term. The Burgh boss opted to use the same line-up that helped him come from behind and win 2-0 against West of Scotland League Premier Division rivals Largs Thistle in the semi-final. Combined, it was a 147-year wait for the trophy for both clubs with the Keanie Park outfit last lifting the silverware in 1968 and the Lowland League side lofting it in the air in 1935. In the opening ten minutes of the game, Burgh controlled most of the play with the first talking point coming in the eighth minute when Belters keeper Kelby Mason looked to have handled the ball outside his box. Broadwood Stadium erupted with a roar but referee Cameron Stirling waved away any appeal. Being the stronger side, Burgh looked to be a threat and in the 22nd minute as Malky McDonald unleashed a left-footed shot towards the Big T's goal, but it was easily saved by Mason. It was a feisty affair between the two teams, with a total of four yellow cards being issued in the first half – three for Burgh and one for Tranent. The match was one filled with half-chances, however, the best came against the run of play when a free-kick for Darren Smith's Tranent was floated into the box which keeper Luke Scullion flapped at. Jake Hutchings looked to have a free header into the net but Burgh stalwart Danny O'Neil cleared the ball off the line. With 44 minutes on the clock, half-time was approaching with the scoreline blank but that changed when Tranent drew first blood from a corner. Euan Greig's delivery was dangerous and found Harry Girdwood who directed a powerful header home to send the Tranent faithful into a frenzy. MacKinnon's side came out for the second half looking to start as they had in the first 45, and they almost did with a wonder strike. Diver, who had been relatively quiet in front of goal, unleashed a strong effort on the half volley around 35 yards out which had Mason scrambling before he caught it. Scullion was made to work in the 57th minute when ex-Hibs star Danny Handling was allowed to shoot inside the box, but the Belters player couldn't get the power behind his effort. MacKinnon turned to his bench on the hour mark which saw the introduction star man Lafferty. He was straight in on the action when a free kick was laid off to him, but his effort failed to trouble the Big T's goal. In the 68th minute, Burgh started to get back into the game when Lafferty almost levelled the game when he had a header inside the six-yard box saved. The changes from MacKinnon looked to have given his side life, and it sparked Burgh to level the game. Aaron Mason's shot on the edge of the box on the 74th minute took a wicked deflection, forcing keeper Mason to scramble backwards to claw it away. However, he could only clear it into the path of Diver who smashed it home to level the score, sending the travelling Burgh support wild. A momentum shift was well and truly happening for the Johnstone outfit, and Tranent felt that even more when Scott Gray received a second yellow for stopping Kian Gilday in his tracks. The match ended all square, with a penalty shoot-out following. Brett missed the first Tranent penalty before Scullion denied Bauld. Lafferty stepped up to take the decisive spot kick after a 100 per cent success rate from Burgh on the penalties, where he netted, and he saw Burgh lift the Junior Cup for the first time since 1968.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Johnstone Burgh fan opens up on special connection with club ahead of Junior Cup final
Margaret Hamilton bonded with the club when she was undergoing radiotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. A Johnstone woman whose mum was part of the celebrations the last time Burgh won the Junior Cup has told how the club was therapy to her during cancer treatment. Margaret Hamilton was given the devastating news two years ago that she had breast cancer and required radiotherapy. During this time, the 61-year-old looked for ways to escape the ordeal – and that is where her love of Burgh blossomed. The florist, who runs All About Flowers on Thorn Brae, had to close down her shop while undergoing treatment but felt the West of Scotland League Premier Division side were there to support her. And tomorrow, all roads lead to Broadwood Stadium in North Lanarkshire as Burgh attempt to end a 57-year wait for the famous trophy by beating Lowland League outfit Tranent in the final. 'The club were fantastic,' Margaret told the Paisley Daily Express. 'On a Saturday when I used to finish in the shop, or at the time that I didn't have the shop open due to my treatment, I would go up, get a pie, get a cup of coffee and sit and watch the team. 'And yes, I met my own friends there, but I made a lot of new friends as well and the boys are just fantastic at the club, they really are.' Ahead of Sunday's showpiece, Margaret made sure everyone who passed her shop would know who she was cheering on. From bunting surrounding the shop to flags covering the length of the window, the big Burgh fan nailed her colours to the mast. Also on display were two items she holds dear – a Burgh top and scarf which were bought for her when she completed radiotherapy. But one moment that sticks with Margaret is when she was shown a picture of her mum celebrating lifting the trophy at the after-party of Peter Donald's Burgh team winning the Junior Cup in 1968. 'My mum had the cup on her head in 1968 when they won in the final,' she revealed. 'She was manageress down at the British Legion in Johnstone so she still remembers the day, the town, the atmosphere. I mean, at that time, we were a big engineering town in Johnstone as well. 'My papa worked in Clifton and Bairds, my dad worked in Wickman and Lang, so it was a real good community we had and now I just feel that community's always been there; it's coming back a wee bit more.' Burgh last reached the final in 2000 but lost to East of Scotland League side Whitburn Juniors on penalties. 'I remember 25 years ago when we lost unfortunately,' recalls Margaret. 'This time I've got a good feeling.' Non-league football has grown in popularity due to the price of football in the SPFL and Margaret says that is a big reason why she supports her local team, much like her dad, Archie, and her mum, Margaret. 'It's getting out in the fresh air as well and it's just having a laugh,' she added. 'You'll always get a laugh at Junior football because it's not like going to see the big clubs. 'It's all character and you can say things there and you're guaranteed to come away with a smile on your face all the time – even if your team hasn't won. But that won't be the case on Sunday!' The town itself has been showing its support for the team ahead of tomorrow. Colin Boyd, a fan who has followed the Keanie Park outfit since he was a young boy, says it is an occasion he is relishing. He said: 'I have been supporting the club for over 30 years and I was at the last final. What a day it was, the build-up to the game was truly amazing and everyone getting behind the team was great to see. 'Sunday means everything to not only me but the club. From where the club have been the last few years, building them back up to the top league, it is so great.' Retired duo Stevie McSorley and Fraser Dominics are also enthusiastic supporters. Both have chosen to volunteer at Burgh to remain close to not only their team but also fellow fans. Stevie said: 'Over the last few years, there have been a lot of new faces, new people and I've also made new friends. I am retired and my wife still works so coming up here is great.' Fraser, who helps maintain the grounds outside the stadium, added: 'I stay near the ground and word had got about that the club were looking for people to help so I did. 'Sunday means a lot to the club and it is an occasion that we are looking forward to. Junior football is growing and the supporters here can see what the club are doing.' Johnstone councillor and avid Burgh supporter Andy Steel will also be supporting his team this weekend. He said: 'Other than Scotland games, the only matches I go to nowadays is the Burgh. It's affordable and the quality in Junior football is miles better than it used to be. 'I've enjoyed watching the Burgh make big steps over the last couple of seasons and this is a big landmark moment on that journey. 'The players, the committee and the fans deserve this day. There are big plans for the future around Keanie Park but this is happening here and now and it would be fantastic if they could win. Mon eh Burgh!' Fans are encouraged to gather in Johnstone's Houston Square tomorrow between 1pm and 1.15pm, and wear red, to wave the team off on their journey to Cumbernauld. Tickets and merchandise will be on sale at Keanie Park until 12.30pm today – but there is a cash gate in operation at Broadwood for the final for anyone who hasn't bought a brief yet. The game will be screened live on BBC ALBA. Kick-off is 4.05pm.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow football club calls it quits after 11 years
Broomhill FC, which has been operating for 11 years, confirmed that it will cease operations after "sustainability" concerns. The Lowland League side cited a "number of factors" behind the move, including the "enforced termination" of its ground-sharing agreement with Dumbarton FC. The club also explained that the decision is "not one they take lightly" and thanked fans for their support over the years. A statement was published on social media confirming the move. A fond farewell, from Broomhill FC. — Broomhill Football Club (@BroomhillFC) May 30, 2025 READ MORE: Three Rangers board members depart amid American revolution Founded as part of Broomhill Sports Club in 2004, the team entered the Lowland League as BSC Glasgow FC in 2014/15 and won the SFA South Challenge Cup in their first season. Broomhill also reached the South Challenge Cup final and Lowland League Cup final before taking home the League Cup trophy in 2018/19. Simon Ferry was appointed manager of Broomhill FC in May 2022 after football media platform Open Goal struck up a partnership with club (Image: Craig Williamson - SNS Group) Football media platform Open Goal, which is known for its popular podcast of the same name, struck up a partnership with the club in May 2022, with plans announced for social media content and programming centred on the team. The club was renamed Open Goal Broomhill FC as part of the move. A documentary aired which followed the management team, players and club officials over the course of the 2022/23 campaign. The partnership was hailed by both parties as 'revolutionary' and 'the beginning of a new era for the club and lower league football'. However, the project ended after just 12 months. Broomhill played its final match against Civil Service Strollers on April 25.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ambitious non-league Scots club folds after just 11 years due to ‘a number of factors'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BROOMHILL FC have folded after just 11 years of existence in the Scottish non-league. The club was originally founded as a children's sports club in 2004, with BSC Glasgow FC launching in 2014 to give players a pathway into adult football. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Broomhill FC have folded after just 11 years in the Scottish non-league Credit: Willie Vass 3 The club briefly rebranded to Open Goal Broomhill and appointed Simon Ferry as manager in 2022 Credit: JSHPIX / free image 3 Their partnership and stadium share with Dumbarton ending was cited as a major factor in the folding Credit: PA 2022 saw the club partner with the Open Goal media brand and podcast host Simon Ferry became the manager, with the team rebranding to Open Goal Broomhill. A year later the partnership ended and the club rebranded to Broomhill Football Club, and entered a deal allowing them to play at Dumbarton Football Stadium. But a statement on the club's account on X, formerly Twitter, has announced that the end of that deal and a 'number of factors' - including a first relegation out of the Lowland League - means that the board has decided to fold the club. The statement said: "We'd like to address the rumours that you may (or may not, depending on how 'online' you are) have been hearing over the last week or so. "Due to a number of factors, including the enforced termination of our ground sharing agreement with Dumbarton FC, the continued frustrations in securing support for our own facility, and the sustainability of running a club at this level, the board have decided to bring Broomhill FC's time to an end. "We have had an incredible ride over the last 11 years, from South Challenge Cup glory in our first season, to being runners-up in the Lowland League in 2018/19 and winning the Lowland League Cup in that season too (sorry about the dent!). Our Scottish Cup run in 2019/20, culminating in a televised match against Premiership side Hibernian, will live long in the memories of everyone associated with Broomhill. "As a club, we have never been afraid to try different things. "Some worked, some didn't but we've always tried to be innovative. "As a club we never shied away from anything, we've been bold every time we've made a decision, and we've backed them up even when they weren't popular. Mick Kennedy & Si Ferry in dreamland as play-off win sparks wild pitch invasion as East Kilbride plot rise through SPFL "Obviously this isn't a decision we've taken lightly and it comes as a blow to us, and to the committed volunteers and staff who have worked tirelessly to make the club a success over the last 11 years. "We would like to thank each and every person who has come into the club, offered their time, their spirit and their commitment to make Broomhill FC better. "To our supporters, though small in number, we appreciate your passion, your desire and your support for non-league football. "Non-league fitba is amazing, it brings us together in community, unites us in good-natured rivalries, and ultimately... it's great fun. "Through the highs and the lows, and all of the different badges, we've had so much fun for the last 11 seasons. "Thank you for having us." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
