THOUGHTS at Rosebank Park may already be turning towards Lugar Boswell Thistle’s new season – but not before the club took one look back at one of the most memorable campaigns in the Jaggy Bunnets’ recent history.
Thistle’s achievement in winning promotion to the third division of the West of Scotland Football League, following an 11-match unbeaten run at the end of the season, meant there was particular reason to celebrate at the club’s annual player of the year awards ceremony.
Manager George Wallace began the evening by paying a heartfelt thank you to all the supporters of the club who offered their unwavering support on the terrace, with a particular shout out to the club’s newest band of followers, the Lugar Ultras, who regularly raise the volume from the sidelines to urge on the players in maroon.
Conan Mackin won the committee/supporters' player of the year prize (Image: Eileen Mackin)
He then paid tribute to the members of the committee for their tireless work behind the scenes to support the “small but mighty” club, before thanking all of his players for the “guts, determination and effort” that they showed to clinch promotion just one season after being relegated into the bottom tier.
The Lugar Ultras’ player of the year prize went to captain Adam Lowe, and the management team’s player of the year award was presented to Jamie Donnelly.
Adam Lowe took home the Lugar Ultras' player of the year prize. (Image: Eileen Mackin)
Captain Adam Lowe presents Conan Mackin with the players' player of the year trophy. (Image: Eileen Mackin)
But the big winner on the night was Conan Mackin, who took home three separate awards – for the top goalscorer, the players’ player of the year, and the committee/supporters’ player of the year.
The night closed with Wallace congratulating all the award winners, and his entire management team, and offering a few well-chosen words of encouragement ahead of the 2024-25 season – and who knows, maybe promotion again!
Jamie Donnelly received the management team's player of the year award. (Image: Eileen Mackin)
Top goalscorer Conan Mackin ended the season with 16 WoSFL goals to his name. (Image: Eileen Mackin)
Only one pre-season friendly has so far been confirmed for Thistle, away to Kilbirnie Ladeside on July 6, but more details on the club’s pre-season friendly programme are expected to be announced soon ahead of the big Third Division kick-off on Saturday, July 27.
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