Ayrshire: Largs Thistle look to chase trophies with young side

The club are celebrating an incredible finish to the league campaign which saw Largs emerge from hovering above the relegation zone in January to finishing sixth in the league after a sensational run of performances.

The results were among the best in the division - rounding off with a five goal salvo against Glasgow giants Pollok.

And McMaster reckons there is much more to come from an exciting and swashbuckling young side, with manager Stuart Davidson at the helm.

Speaking in the recent matchday programme against Pollok, McMaster said: "The last few months of the season have been hectic as we have put all our efforts into stabilising the club and set our plans for the future.

"Thankfully we are lucky to have a great committee, volunteers, local sponsors, and you - the supporters -  who follow the team week after week, and who have all rallied round."

"Without this support, the club just wouldn't exist.

"Please be sure that the support is greatly appreciated and hopefully we will have a team and club which is run as professionally as possible on and off the park. We are still on the lookout for more volunteers and potential committee members so lease get in touch should you think you can offer a hand in any way. I can personally vouch that you will be made more than welcome in the Thistle family."

McMaster said it was an honour to follow in the footsteps of match secretary Derek Scott, who sadly passed away in December, and that "he would never be forgotten in the Largs community", with plans to host football and golf tournaments in his memory this summer.

Since the turn of the year, when McMaster took over the reins as acting chairman, a new committee has come on board, and the sponsor list now includes Mills Milk, The Fish Works, Rhino Express, Only Sport Ltd, while Braw and Dapper sponsored the recent Tour De Cumbrae cycle event.

Ali's Army! - Largs Thistle are ready for business next season (Image: Largs Thistle)

Speaking about the team, which includes his son Laurie as a roving winger, McMaster said: "On the park we have had several ups and downs ranging from disappointing early cup exits to the highs of wins against big spending opponents such as Darvel and Troon (away) and a long awaited win over Auchinleck Talbot.

"Throughout the last few months we have also secured the services of an excellent manager in Arnie (Stuart Davidson) - and of course - his coaching staff - and they in turn are building an excellent and youthful squad that will only flourish by sticking together.

"The future is bright, and I have no doubt that trophies will follow if we keep strengthening and improving on the park.

"Off the park, we have applied for significant funding which if secured will provide floodlights and improved spectator facilities.

"We also have longer term plans to apply or our SFA Licence.

"We are working hard on integrating further with groups and clubs within the Largs community. This will in turn hopefully help Barrfields evolve as a major hub of activity within the town. 

Floodlight plan and enhanced spectator facilities being lined up (Image: NQ staff)

"Our last event of the season 2022/23 is the Player of the Year Night which is being held on Friday, June 2 at St Columba's Church.

"We hope that all Thistle fans can join us in celebrating an eventful season and we must show our enormous gratitude to our club chaplain Graham McWilliams for offering the church for this event.

"We hope to see you all back again next season supporting Thistle."

Player of the Year night takes place at St Columba’s Parish Church on Friday, June 2, starting at 7.30pm. 

Email largsthistlefc1889@gmail.com or visit https://largsthistle.info/enquiries-form-contact/ for your ticket.