Fort William Football Club has announced the departure of manager Alan Gray from his role as first team manager.
Gray has been in charge of first team affairs at Claggan Park with assistant Darren Duncan for just under two seasons, achieving a third place finish in the team’s first season back in the North Caledonian League after the club’s relegation the preceding term.
Across that time, Gray has overseen 27 wins, two draws and 14 losses. The club now begins the process of welcoming applications to take over the position.
Gray said: “To manage Fort William is an honour and I am extremely lucky to have been afforded that opportunity over the past two seasons. Thanks go to John Trew for giving me the opportunity and for trusting Darren and I with the team.
“Between work and home life, it has become increasingly difficult to strike the right life/work/football balance and the time feels right now to take a step back - not to mention that some of these lads have been coached by me for nearly eight years so it’s about time they heard a different voice. Even I’m bored of me by this point!
“The players have given their all for Darren and I and I thank all of them for their hard work and commitment over the past two seasons.
“I am proud of the work we have done on and off the park. In the time we have been at the club, we have started holiday camps for youngsters and built bridges with the community.
“The addition of Rob Coull this past season as chairman has further moved us forward on that front with links with local business, schools and community groups.
“My only disappointment is that I was unable to get the younger local players to commit to play for the first team - but I believe the coaches at the reserves will see this transition happen for them for this coming season and we will see those talented youngsters be the mainstays in the Fort William first team for years to come.
“From me, thank you to our fans and community for their support, to Darren who has been the best assistant manager I could have asked for, Rebecca and Peter for their unwavering support and guidance and to Rob and Woody who have been immense this season and who will continue to move the club forward.”
Chairman Rob Coull echoed these sentiments.
He said: “I want to put on record my thanks to Alan and Darren for all their hard work. I’ve knew Alan before I became chairman of the club and his dedication, not only to Fort William FC, but to the wider community and sports groups in Lochaber, has been second to none.
“His support to me has been amazing and we have built an exceptionally strong bond. I regard him as a good friend.
“Darren’s unwavering support to the club over the years has also been fantastic and we’ve worked closely throughout the season ensuring the club provided everything the coaching team needed to be successful.”
Club ambassador Colin ‘Woody’ Wood also paid tribute, adding: “Alan stepped in early in the 2022 season and did really well with an already chosen squad. He has added some brilliant local players and has reduced our reliance on bringing players in.
“When he stepped in for us, he was two months into a sabbatical from football so it’s no surprise he wants to take a break."
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