Earlier this season Bill O’Neil, who has overseen the commercial activity of the Club for almost five years – the last two as Commercial Director – intimated his intention to step down from the board. In addition, as supporters will already be aware, Bob Mullen has been absent through serious illness for the last five months, putting a lot of pressure on the remaining staff at Stark’s Park.
The directors have taken time to carefully consider how best to respond to these developments, and also best equip Raith Rovers for the challenges it faces in what is a very difficult period for Scottish football. Today we are pleased to announce the following boardroom changes at Stark’s Park.
Turnbull Hutton (Vice Chairman) has been appointed Chairman with immediate effect.
Eric Drysdale (Director and Company Secretary) takes on the additional role of Chief Executive.
Bill O’Neil (Commercial Director) has decided to step down from his position at the end of the year.
Life long supporter Tom Morgan has joined the board with immediate effect, and will take over Bill’s commercial responsibilities.
The remaining Board Members – Vice Chairman Mario Caira, Alan Young, Tom Phillips and Dave Wann remain in situ.
Further details…
Since the departure of Dave Somerville some 18 months ago, the Board has been operating without an official Chairman. As one of two Vice Chairmen, Turnbull Hutton has been effectively holding the reins. This arrangement has worked well – but there is, by default, a perception acceptance by the outside world, that Turnbull is the Chairman of RRFC –a role he previously held in 2004. The Board has now persuaded a reluctant Turnbull to take the reins formally during what is a transition period both for the Club and Scottish Football generally. Having finally given in to persistent pleas from board colleagues to retake the chair and lead the club forward, Turnbull said “I am happy to help the Club through the current turmoil in Scottish Football – to what I hope will be calmer waters. At that point I would hope to retake something of a back seat – more befitting of a man of my advancing years.”
The Board also decided to appoint a Chief Executive –a position that is seen as essential for a club of our size and potential going forward. Eric Drysdale, long-term Director and Company Secretary, has agreed to take on this additional and important role on a part time basis with effect from 1st December. Eric commented, “The challenge of helping shape the club for all the challenges that lie ahead excites me. Our employees are our greatest assets and I look forward to working with them all to best support the efforts of the team on the pitch.”
We are fortunate indeed to also welcome Tom Morgan to the Board in place of Bill. Tom is now retired following a successful career in financial services and he now has the time and inclination to take up the invitation to join the Board as Commercial Director. A life-time supporter of the Club, Tom is well-known locally and will be a huge asset. Tom and Bill will be working together over the next few weeks to effect a seamless handover of key responsibilities. Accepting the offer to join the board, Tom commented, “I’m looking forward to the challenge of continuing and building upon the good work done by Bill and the team.”
Departing director Bill O’Neil says “I have enjoyed the challenges and successes both on and off the field, and would take this opportunity to wish the Team, the Board and the Staff all success in the future”. As well as having grandchildren in Kirkcaldy, Bill also has family and a granddaughter resident abroad. He and wife Evelyn are looking forward to spending more time with all of them. The Board wish Bill well in his second ‘retirement’ and look forward to seeing him at Stark’s Park between trips.
Meanwhile, Bob Mullen will be returning to light duties next month and in a further recent development Derek Pringle, who has been working part-time with the Club on the Commercial side, has also decided to step down next month to enjoy his retirement fully.
Finally, the board would wish to take this opportunity to thank club staff and volunteers for their commitment and professionalism through what has been a testing time behind the scenes.
