STRANGE TIMES WITH COVID-19

These are very strange and trying times for most of us currently living on Planet Earth. Current or recent generations have not experienced the virus called Covid-19 which has completely changed the way we go about our daily lives.

Although there are far more important things to contend with than the world of sport, it is still frustrating that we can’t get competitive Highland League football at the moment, nor probably likely to for the foreseeable future.

I suppose withdrawal symptoms are the order of the day, as I haven’t seen my beloved Maroons in League action since the 3-1 win at Strathspey Thistle on 7 March this year. The following Saturday saw us pay homage to Club skipper and all time record goalscorer Cammy Keith at his testimonial dinner in Aberdeen. Since then I didn’t see the boys until the midweek friendly against Elgin City on 22 September. I missed the Banks O’ Dee match due to my work as a Registrar, having to conduct two Civil Marriages. I also missed the 6-0 win at Colony Park on Saturday 26 September, conducting another Marriage. That was a special occasion for me as well, as I had registered the Bride’s birth 25 years ago! Have I been in the job too long or what!!

Anyway, a lot of water has gone under the bridge since I started cycling the 10 miles from my home around 1968-69, to start watching the Maroons at Kynoch Park. The saddest event during the past six months for me was the sudden passing of my mentor Alex Rutherford who had spotted my enthusiasm for this great Club back in 1978, earning me a place in the Management Committee in February 1981. I learned an awful lot from Alex, in how to conduct myself as a Club Official amongst many other things.

No football didn’t mean that operations around and about Kynoch Park came to a standstill. The very opposite, saw a power of work being carried out on the pitch and surrounds. In addition, the Boardroom has been completely refurbished, and we have instigated a Wall of Fame in the corridors leading into the Sponsors Lounge. An absolute Who’s Who of the Club’s great and venerable history.

I also joined the Highland League Legends on Facebook, and the banter and recollections of times gone by with like minded people, legendary players, managers and Administrators is quite incredible. I always try to look on the bright side of life, and my involvement at the ‘Field of Dreams’ with people doing their best to keep the Club going in these tough times gives us all a purpose.

One of these days, hopefully we will be able to see the mighty Maroons strut their stuff on the lush surface that is Kynoch Park, and I will be able to announce the teams as they trot out pre match, and give it that extra oomph when Cammy Keith and co hit the back of the net.

I would say let’s all stick together in these uncertain times and we will come through the tunnel into the light once more.

COYM

Charlie Simpson