BLOG: Talking Clan Towers 9 – with Gareth Chalmers
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Well we’re at the end of another eventful season, as ever we’ve had plenty of ups and downs. We’ve got an exciting summer ahead and exciting 2017/18 to look forward to.
We’ve had a lot of change already and I fully expect there to be more. Some very difficult decisions are being made but we’re doing it in the best interests of the club – ultimately we want to progress further and get across that line.
Back in August when we started the season we had our sights on the EIHL title, having finished one point away in 2014/15 and only five points one year ago we felt this was very much attainable. In sport these situations don’t always go the way you expect them to.
It’s been a difficult season on and off the ice, we’re now dealing with higher expectations, which comes with the progression we’ve made in recent season’s. However when you look how far we’ve come in recent years it still makes me very proud of the organisation we’ve all created.
This season we certainly have realised how difficult it will be to win the league or a cup, however it isn’t impossible. Realistically in the current setup we are a fourth or fifth placed hockey club, however as we’ve seen in the past two season’s we can certainly punch above our weight and get in amongst the big clubs.
We have to all go into next season with the ‘underdog’ mentality, by everyone sticking together, working hard and pulling in the same direction – then anything is possible. There are other clubs and people that dislike us, want to see us fail, are looking over their shoulders somewhat – it’s up to us all, ownership, management, staff, players, volunteers, sponsors and most importantly the Purple Army to stick together if we are to bring success to this hockey club.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank some very important people. Sean & Tracy for all their efforts and hard work, they work long hours that go unnoticed, staying back on Friday night’s to 9pm etc. Ryan, Richard Hartmann and all the players for providing the product we’re all here to watch week in week out – we’re striving to be the best and these guys are the most important aspect of the club.
David for jumping into the Equipment Managers role head first and taking control, working the long hours, up and down the country and his tireless efforts to making the required improvements. Also thanks to Andy Piper, Horse, Callum, John the doctor, Will and everyone who has been involved in the back room team. Without these guys it simply wouldn’t work.
All of the Clan Crew – 50/50, Shirt off the Back, merchandise, off ice officials, figure skaters, Chuck-a-Puckers, Bernie, Kevin the announcer, Andy the DJ, Alex, Kirstin, Fie, Alex, Winter, Lauren, Aynsley and Erin who have all been the club’s superb Braehearts.
Thank you to Kayleigh, who has such a big role with this organisation. The job she does is everything the club is about, it’s a very difficult job and one I don’t envy. She’s made the role into her own, she’s the best in the EIHL by a mile and we were all very proud of her as ever at the playoff final weekend.
Our media team of Gerry, Alistair, Richie and Jordan for our superb Clan Show and highlights package, Chris for our superb graphics, branding & MNL package plus Craig who gives us superb media support – I strongly believe we have the best setup and best output in the league by some distance.
The OSC for all the outstanding work, commitment and support they provide to the club. They are outstanding, led by very good people and I believe are the best Supporters Club in the country.
The Arena, everyone from Scott, Lauren, Jonathan, Lesley, to the ice stewards and the cleaners – I know I must drive them crazy but without the Arena the Clan simply wouldn’t exist today!
The organisation is so much bigger than any one individual, there are a lot of people involved in this operation that has allowed us to enjoy the progression that we’ve seen over the past seven season’s. Thank you to each and everyone of you!
Finally and most importantly the Purple Army. You turn up in big numbers every single week at Braehead Arena, you follow us up and down the country, your support has once again been fantastic. I appreciate it’s been a frustrating season on and off the ice, but I can assure you that from the ownership, myself, Andy and everyone involved in the club we want the same as you – and that is to make the Braehead Clan a success on the ice.
It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new Clan!
Thank you
Gareth Chalmers
Hockey & Operations Director
