The new season starts today!

A week late, the new season finally started today with an away tie to Sauchie with a 1:45 kick off at Dunipace's ground in Denny. The first half was dominated by Whitburn but they only had a Darren Tomaszewski goal to show for their efforts, going in 1 up at the break. Against the run of play Sauchie equalised midway through the second half. Shortly thereafter a long range Martin Russell strike restored the lead and late into the game Reece Duncan secured the three points to give Jamie Sandilands his first competitive win in charge.

Here is what the manager had to say about the match:

"Fantastic feeling today to see the lads back in competitive action for first time since March and the first game under our management team.

Overall I was pleased with large chunks of today where I felt we dominated the possession and going forward we looked a real threat especially in the first half. Our first goal was testament to this which was a move of real quality covering the length of the pitch and beautifully finished. Whilst at the back we dealt with an aerial bombardment very well with the exception of one ball which led to the goal. Lesson learned that one lapse will be punished in this league this year.

Second half I thought we were a little slow out the blocks and gave Sauchie something to build on but what was very pleasing was watching our senior players get about their teammates and demand standards were not dropped and we quickly regained control. The only blot today was the one lapse in concentration which led to their goal with 20 mins to go which would be a real test of character.

I was very happy to see the lads didn't panic they simply went back to moving Sauchie about at pace and our relentless surges forward led to a brilliant 2nd goal worked from a set piece which was superbly finished. We quickly got young Kieran on to stretch the game with his pace and that led almost instantly to him beating everyone to a great through ball and getting us the penalty that wrapped it up. I thought after this we handled a late charge by Sauchie comfortably and remained very calm and disciplined which shows how far we have come together.

Our biggest disappointments from today would be that we could and should have been 3/4 up at half time but we are creating the chances and secondly that we couldn’t share the victory with our support. We really hope to see you all again very soon as I’m extremely excited about this squad and sure you will enjoy watching the season unfold.

There will be lots of rewarding and challenging times ahead however it is always great to get off to a win especially away from home and we march into next weeks game with Pumpherston in good shape squad wise.

Please take care of each other and we hope to see you all soon."

AGM

The long delayed AGM for last season will finally (hopefully) be held on Monday 14 December in the Social Club starting at 7pm. Social distancing will be observed and masks will be worn. In addition temperatures will be taken on entry. In spite of the restrictions hopefully we will see a reasonable turnout.

2020 Squad

Here is a picture of the current squad - names will be added when I have them/am able to put names to faces! Picture by Ann Haddow.

Sponsorship

The club are continuing to look for sponsors and other fund raising ventures to help keep the club afloat in these difficult times especially when no spectators are allowed. They are pleased to announce BBQ King as the new sponsor of the club tracksuits (modelled by Darren Wilson on the right) - many thanks to them! I believe there are still a few plaqyers/coaching staff who are available to sponsor - please contact Ann Haddow if interested and to check availability. Also, through the Facebook page they are occasionally selling teams on a fund raising scratch card and through th Donate a Ticket website. All funds received from whatever source will be gratefully accepted

Merchandise for sale

The Chvrches sponsored away strip have now been reduced to £15 plus postage and packing! Contact Ann Haddow if interested on 07917 753017.

We have available snoods at £10 and pens for £2. Again contact Ann if interested.

Additionally, Sam Spiers has recorded a song entitled 'The Claret and the Amber' which will be available for download or streaming on September 12th from all the usual sources - fom Amazon to Youtube, with all proceeds going to the club. The club greatly appreciates the generosity of Sam in this endeavour.

New Season 2020/1

Although it is uncertain when the new season will begin due to the uncertainty of the Corona virus pandemic, things are moving apace at Central Park. Season tickets are available now for the coming season priced at £60 and £30 for concessions. The league which is mostly based in and around West Lothian is sure ot be super competitive with many local derbies so should offer entertaining matches. The league will be known as the East Region Premiership South and is made up of the following teams: Armadale Thistle, Bathgate Thistle, Bo'ness United JFC, Fauldhouse United, Harthill Royal CFC, Linlithgow Rose CFC, Livingston United, Pumpherston Juniors, Sauchie Juniors, Stoneyburn, Sygenta, West Calder United and Whitburn Junior FC.

Sponsorship is being sought for both the players and management team. This can be bought at two levels - Gold and VIP. The gold package costs £50 and gives the sponsor's name in the Match Programme and on the Home Strip photo whilst the VIP version, costing £100, gives this, a season ticket, name also on the Away Strip photo and an invite to the Player of the Year ceremony. Be quick, though, as these are going fast!

Contact Ann Hadddow in person or via 07917 753017.

During the close season much work has been done by the committee on the pitch, the enclosure and surrounds and everything is looking wonderful! In particular the enclosure is looking a treat as it has been fully refurbished with slabwork as can be seen below.

Sadly during the lockdown three individuals with strong links to the club passed away and we offer our condolencies to their family and friends. They are long time supporter Peter Wilson, ex committe man and treasurer Jack Wright and current committee member Billy Hill. With apologies to his family and friends for the ommision, we must also record that we lost stalwart supporter Tommy Neilly a couple of months back. We will miss them all.

Team News

Whitburn Junior FC are pleased to announce the recent appointment of our new manager Jamie Sandilands. Jamie was previously with Arthurlie and Linlithgow Rose and he also played in goal for Johnstone Burgh when we beat then almost 20 years to the day to win our only Scottish Junior Cup (the exact anniversary is 28 May). Sadly due to work committments have prevented Alan Shields from taking up the assistant manager's post but ex Whitburn player Darren Wilson, who has his UEFA A licence, has arrived to take up the role of assistant coach.. David Taylor remains as goalkeeping coach and Archie Gilmour will once again provide physio duties. Martin Russell will be the captain going forward into the new season.

Players signed so far in addition to Martin Russell are Matthew Cooper, Robel Dent, Reece Duncan, Jay Elliot, Greg Forrest, Iain Griffin, Grant Hamilton, Nick Hamilton, Martin Maguire, Michael McGarahan, Simon Millar, Andrew Mochan, Dewi Taylor, Andy Thomson, Darren Tomaszewski and Dean Wilson. The new names are our new signings Jay Elliot & Nick Hamilton (goalkeepers), Martin Maguire (CH), Dean Wilson (CM), Robel Dent (Wide Player) Simon Millar and Mick McGarahan (both strikers) and they have settled in extremely well and are already very much part of the group. More details and photos to follow.

New Strips

Whitburn have two new strips - JSK Construction are sponsoring the home strip whilst NJM Studio are sponsors of the the away one. They are shown below:

Many thanks to both sponsors!

Here is a team photo of the NJM strip recently worn at the game against Thornton.

The picture below shows the representatives from JSK at the hand over of their strip at the Pumpherston game

The Whitburn squad are available to sponsor. Please contact Ann Haddow at annhaddie@yahoo.com if interested.

Whitburn Chvrches sponsored away shirts are now available for sale!

These highly sought after shirts are now available for sale at the ridiculously low price of £15.

Contact Ann Haddow if interested on 07917 753017.

Use of Central Park

Any local community group who wishes to use Central park and its facilities should contact club secretary Ann Haddow in the first instance on 07917 753017.

Saturday 28 November 2020 League Sauchie 1-3 Whitburn Scorers: Tomaszewski, Russell, Duncan

Whitburn's main sponsors

Whitburn main sponsors who are Karma Indian Cuisine, West Main Street - thanks are due to Dep, Robert and Jaggy, please support our local excellent curry house!