New beginnings for Ellon United FC
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North Super League football team Ellon United has seen work begin on facilities and a new management team appointed ahead of the season's start.
An upgrade to the enclosed pitch at The Meadows has commenced which will see a hospitality area formed named after honorary chairman and long-term supporter Miller Mathieson.
The club has also announced that ex-Sunnybank manager Keith McHattie is its new manager.
He will be assisted by ex-Ellon United player and captain Chris Craib; player/coach Calum Irvine and Beverly Sim as physio and Covid officer.
On the hospitality area project, committee member Sean Murray said: "The hospitality suite is going to be named after my father-in-law Miller Mathieson, who is a honorary chairman of the club.
"The sponsor of the new area asked that it be named after Miller.
"It will be used before, during and after matches to welcome visiting committees and the general public for teas, coffees and refreshments.
"It will also provide opportunities for the club to host corporate days for local businesses and groups.
"It has been a long-term project that has been planned for many years.
"It is a massive boost for the club and will allow it to grow and move forward.
"It will improve the facilities and make it more attractive for players to join and spectators to come along and support us.
"Hopefully it will give us an income boost as well. We have a fairly tight budget, so anything we can gain from hospitality will be greatly received by the club to be invested back in.
"The cabin is due to arrive in the next couple of weeks and the aim is to have it ready for the start of the new season."
Meanwhile, the new management team has the hit ground running and is holding its first training sessions this week.
In an online statement the club said: "Keith McHattie, ex-Sunnybank manager, a very well respected individual within junior football with an extensive playing career for a number of clubs within Aberdeen has agreed to take over the reigns at our club.
"Keith will be assisted by ex-Ellon United player and captain Chris Craib, who helped us win promotion to the Super League and comes with a vast amount of experience in the junior setup.
"Calum Irvine who has been a valuable member of the playing and coaching staff at Ellon for a considerable time has also agreed to be part of this new management team as a player/coach.
"Beverly Sim our physio and Covid officer, who has been an invaluable member of the backroom staff over the last few seasons has also agreed to continue with ourselves which is great news for the club.
"We believe this team has the experience, dedication and all the correct attributes to make it a force to be reckoned with in the seasons ahead.
"We wish them all the very best as they begin to prepare for the new season kick-off currently scheduled to begin on July 17."
