Gavin McCann, Club Secretary of Greenhills Dynamo (Strathclyde Saturday Morning League), joins me on the bench today.









GA: How long have you been in your current role?

GM: About 3 years as Club Secretary – 7 years as Match Reporter.

GA: When did you first get involved in amateur football and what were you doing?

GM: Stopped playing at U16 level. Started as Match Reporter for the EK News and got more involved 3 years ago after the Management team left the club.

GA: What amateur teams have you been involved in and in what capacity?

GM: Greenhills Dynamo. Club Secretary looking after all the admin really!

GA: Do you feel the amateur football scene has changed since you first became involved with it?

GM: It’s not changed a great deal, although it’s far better organised.

GA: Do you have a favourite amateur team and why is it your favourite?

GM: Greenhills Dynamo. We’re well respected within our league due to always being up there challenging (apart from this season). I have a lot of respect for all the teams in our league as they all have one purpose – have a good game of football on a Saturday morning – which we normally do to be fair.

GA: What’s your most memorable moment in amateur football?

GM: Winning our first piece of silverware and progressing to the last 32 in the Scottish Cup.

GA: What do you think about the quality of amateur football?

GM: There are some excellent teams about. Our League has improved greatly in 10 years – there’s 5 or 6 top teams in it who have done well in the National Cups.

GA: Which team provided the best post-match hospitality? (who served the best pies?)

GM: Don’t really get the chance but played a couple of Fife teams who were good hosts.

GA: What was the last game you watched?

GM: Greenhills Dynamo v East Kilbride Amateurs in a friendly.

GA: What was the last game you played in?

GM: A friendly against the above team about 5 years ago. My only appearance for the club. A certain goal was thwarted when someone tried to head it the other way – I was gutted as my shot spiralled well over the bar!

GA: If you had 3 wishes, what would you change about Scottish amateur football?

GM: (1) The Council’s approache to calling games off – too early in my opinion; (2) More 3G pitches to alleviate call offs – we’ve played a couple of games on this and it’s a fantastic surface. It doesn’t beat grass but definitely beats call offs; (3) Overall costs. These seem to be spiralling each year and it’s getting harder to fund the club each year.

GA: What do you think about summer football?

GM: Hearts says yes. Head says no. It would be ideal but you’re looking to change the whole ethos of football – it would be a total culture shock. Many of the players would be on holiday no doubt and you always want to have your strongest team out.

GA: Have you any views about the relationship of the professional game to the amateur game?

GM: I don’t think there is any relationship to speak of.

GA: What do you think the future holds for Scottish amateur football?

GM: I think there can be growth – all ages should be encouraged to play and keep fit to assist the growth.

GA: Have you any views on superleagues?  Do you think they are a good idea?

GM: It could be a goer. Some clubs outgrow their leagues and the concept itself is good. Travel could be an issue though.

GA: What do you think about Community Hubs (NB not Community Clubs)?

GM: A good step towards football for all.

GA: Have you any comments on grounds and facilities?

GM: I’d like to see more investment in these. There are some excellent ones around but some poor ones too.

GA: Do you think there is adequate provision of development courses & funding for them?

GM: I don’t think there is. A bit more awareness of what’s available would be good!

GA: What do you think about the SAFA Select team – how do you think it could be developed?

GM: It’s a hard one to answer. I think Saturday Morning teams seem to be overlooked – generally the top end teams of Saturday afternoon have the best players.

GA: Are there any other comments you would like to make?

GM: I think that any plans to have single registration for players should be scrapped – if a player is fit enough and good enough to play for a Saturday team then play on a Sunday then it should be allowed. This is promoting health & fitness and it takes dedication to do so. This should not be hindered.




Thanks for taking part in OTB, Gavin.  You've got lots of interesting ideas there.  Hope you all enjoyed the season just ending at Greenhills Dynamo there and are looking forward to playing in the SAFA's Centenary Year.