Raith Rovers have announced a series of Boardroom changes that will see one of the more colourful characters in Scottish football reinstated as the Stark’s Park Chairman after a gap of eight years.
Turnbull Hutton, who kept fans and the media entertained during the summer with his views on a number of issues regarding the Scottish game, has taken over the reins of the club that has been without a Chairman since David Somerville left 18 months ago.
As well as Hutton stepping up from his Vice-Chairman role, Director and Company Secretary Eric Drysdale will take on the additional and new role of Chief Executive in Kirkcaldy.
Hutton 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 re-take something of a back seat, more befitting of a man of my advancing years.”
Lifelong supporter, Tom Morgan, has joined the Board with immediate effect and he will take on the commercial side of things that was run by Bill O'Neil for almost five years with O’Neil stepping down to enjoy more time with his family.
There was also some good news on the health of long serving Club Secretary, Bob Mullen, who has been absent through serious illness for the last five months, as he is expected to return to light duties next month.
Drysdale said: “The Directors have taken time to carefully consider how best to respond to developments at the club, and in the game in general, and also how to best equip Raith Rovers for the challenges it faces in what is a very difficult period for Scottish football.
“The Board had to persuade a reluctant Turnbull to take the reins formally during what is a transition period both for Raith Rovers and Scottish football generally. We are delighted that he has finally given in to persistent pleas from Board colleagues to re-take the Chair and lead the club forward.”
As for his own role, Drysdale said: “The Board also decided to appoint a Chief Executive which is now seen as a position that is essential for a club of our size and potential going forward.
“The challenge of helping shape the club for all the issues 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.”
Drysdale added: “We are fortunate to welcome Tom to the Board in place of Bill. Tom is well known locally and will be a huge asset. They will be working together over the next few weeks to affect a seamless handover of key responsibilities.”
Accepting the offer to join the Raith Rovers' 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 O'Neil said: "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, 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.
The remaining Board Members – Vice-Chairman Mario Caira, Alan Young, Tom Phillips and Dave Wann - all remain in place.
Drysdale finished by saying: “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.”
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