GORDONIANS, by their own admission, have found it hard going since being promoted to National League Two at the end of last season, but will battle on in a bid to retain their new found status after enjoying two successive promotions.
Club president Jim Sugden underlined his commitment to keeping the club in the forefront of progress in the Granite City, shortly after the Countesswells side had lost 12-50 to GHK.
“My first target for each and every player who plays for Gordonians is that they should enjoy themselves on and off the pitch,” he said. “Having said that, it is my ambition to see the club survive in what is proving to be a difficult season for us in National League Two. Our elevation has in fact been quite dramatic. It is only three years since we were playing in the Caley regional leagues with generally the same group of players who have served us so well.”
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Sugden had his batteries recharged after the GHK match by an animated conversation with Peter Wright, the new head coach of the highflying Old Anniesland side who was able to reassure him that Gordonians were on the right track.
“Peter is not only a good coach, but has a great feel for the club game,” said Sugden. “Two hours in his company is inspirational. I now feel much better about our situation.”
It is not Gordonians in isolation that concerns Sugden and he has developed a strategy for helping grow the game throughout the Aberdeen area. He believes local 2nd XVs are not getting enough game time exposure and will be outlining a plan for Aberdeen and area clubs to discuss.
“The stop-start nature of the leagues is a problem,” he explained. “Some teams have only played three games, which 10 weeks into the season is not good. We need to address this situation before we lose the interest of fringe players. The game after all belongs to them. Bringing clubs together might also help us draw up a recruitment strategy.”
Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 27)Despite his various commitments, the popular president will still have time to organise a Boxing Day game at Rubislaw when an Aberdeen Select will host the Exiles in a fixture dreamed up by two homesick Aberdonians in the Savoy in London in 1931.
“I am happy to keep the fine tradition of welcoming individuals to come back to the Granite City, to play rugby, especially as it attracts the biggest attendance of the season when old friendships can be renewed, and new ones made,” said Sugden.
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