Oban Saints host annual awards night and fundraiser

Oban Saints Amateur Football Club held its annual awards night at The View last Saturday where refreshments and a buffet preceded the main event chaired by club secretary David Buchanan.

Saints supremo Buchanan thanked the good turnout of players, management and committee members for their attendance and their continuing support at the end of what has been a difficult season for the club before giving a brief outline of the upcoming plans for next season and the pre-season schedule which will be published here in the coming weeks.

Attention then turned to the presentation of the awards.

Connor Moore was first to be called to the floor to receive the top goalscorer trophy handed over by ever present away-day supporter Frances Black.

Next up was the young player of the year award presented by assistant manager Iain Jackson to James Muir whose performances this season have epitomised the old adage that if you are good enough, you are old enough.

Unfortunately holiday commitments prevented Craig Maitland from being in attendance to collect the coaches’ player of the year award in person so older brother and club captain Scott Maitland received the trophy from David Buchanan. Craig was praised, not only for his performances between the sticks since coming into the team but also for his hard work off the field with fellow goalkeeper Graham Douglas and goalkeeping coach David Dunlop which has borne fruit.

The final award saw popular striker Connor Moore return to the floor to collect the players’ player of the year trophy from manager Ross Maitland. The gaffer congratulated Moore on his double success and noted that, had it not been for a lengthy spell out injured, he would surely have added many more goals to his winning tally.

Following the presentation, the club held an enjoyable race night in aid of club funds which was attended by a good crowd including a number of ex-players.

Thanks go to the numerous race sponsors, the event organisers and everyone who contributed on the night to give the club funds a welcome boost.

And photograph: Derek Black. Report Award winners and club management at the presentation evening held at The View last Saturday: David Buchanan, club secretary; Ross Maitland, manager; Connor Moore, top goalscorer and players’ player of the year; James Muir, young player of the year; Iain Jackson, assistant manager; Peter MacCallum, coach. Not pictured is Craig Maitland, coaches’ player of the year, as he was away on holiday.