Positivity in Thornton despite living in some troubling times

The meeting rounded off what has been a positive spell for the club, with a couple of new recruits also called up from the Hibs’ youth team.

The club said this week that the AGM had proved “productive”, with a number of amendments to the constitution proposed and agreed.

“A major one was to change the structure of the club to operate with an executive committee, having general committee members supporting this team,” the Hibs confirmed.

“Executive committee members were voted on as follows: chairperson - Michael McCool; secretary - Graeme Turnbull; treasurer - Jackie Dignan; club manager - Craig Gilbert; media manager - Melissa McNab.

“Once the new committee has had an opportunity to meet, we hope to announce details of a club membership scheme and season ticket prices for the season ahead.

“Also at the meeting, Craig Gilbert was delighted to announce that through a combination of sponsorship, fundraising and donations, the club is very hopeful of getting close to the initial fundraising target of £20,000 in the near future.

“More details will be announced once all confirmed.”

Another piece of good news relayed during the meeting was that the planning application, to erect a fence surrounding the pitch and pavilion areas and to install floodlights, had been approved earlier in the week.

“With one or two fine details to be resolved, we will keep all supporters up to date when we are able to commence works,” the club added.

“On a day of positives all round, it just shows that it pays to ‘keep believing”.

While no firm date has yet been set for play to resume, Hibs are starting to make tentative plans to piece together a squad.

Manager Gilbert boosted his first team squad with the signing of two players from the club’s under 19s.

The side performed well last season with the Thornton boss clearly impressed with the skills and attitudes of a couple of the youngsters attached to the club.

Two players have been called on by the club’s top team to make the step up.

Midfielder Jackson Hoskisson and forward Fergus Mackie have already featured for the Hibs and have been involved in the regular training sessions for some time but will now form a more regular part of the first team squad.