September 2009

The start of the season has been good, with the players adapting to the demands of the 2nd Division well. Our first two league games saw us lose narrowly but I was very pleased with the performances – we also had one or two decisions which didn’t go our way in both games. The players responded by showing a lot of character and they bounced back well with a 4 game unbeaten run which has seen us climb into the top half of the table. The performances have been good and have shown that this group of players have got the quality to challenge in this league. We will certainly not allow complacency to creep into our mindset and it is up to myself and the coaching staff to ensure that the players continue to work hard and always look to improve themselves. With the right attitude around the club I am sure we can all work together to achieve the goals we have set ourselves this season.

With this in mind I ask all the fans to continue to provide us with the terrific backing and support they have shown us this season. Our promotion to the 2nd Division has given us a new set of goals to achieve and we have to acknowledge the great support we have had from the Cowdenbeath fans this season. They have really got behind the team both at home and away and it has been very much appreciated by players and staff. I would just like to thank our fans and ask them to continue giving us their fantastic backing.

I would like to mention the contribution that Iain Jenkins has made since taking the post of Assistant Manager. Iain has brought his vast knowledge, experience and enthusiasm into the dressing room providing a positive contribution to the team as well as providing me with support.

The promotion of Iain Jenkins to Assistant Manager created a vacancy at our U19’s level. I am pleased to announce that Paul Mooney accepted the invitation to take up this role. Paul has taken to this challenge with great enthusiasm and his positive attitude has been well accepted by the players. This now gives Bob Paterson the opportunity to take a much more strategic approach to his role as Head of Youth development by overseeing the development of all the squads from U13’s to 1st team. Our Youth set up is very encouraging with all our team performing very well.  We now have a very good mix of young and experienced coaches working on developing the potential of the young players we have signed at the club. The continuing hard work will hopefully bear fruit in the years to come by helping the players achieve their potential.

As well as the changes on the pitch there have been a few changes off the field too. Keith Harvey has come on board full time in a dual role as Development Manager and Club Secretary. Keith has been working hard behind the scenes to assist me with the administrative side, as well as looking at bringing more revenue to the club. Through contacts Keith has brought in Sports Science support to the club and I would like to thank both Stewart Ollis and Neil Buchanan for working with me and the players to work on their development.

Finally, I would like to thank the Cowdenbeath Community Trust for supporting Danny Mackay in his rehabilitation from injury with gym membership. It is important that we all pull together in moving the club forward both on and off the pitch.

Best wishes.

Danny Lennon