January & February 2010

The last two months have been challenging results and weather wise but there is a buzz and positive mentality about the place. We are continuing to grow and develop as a football club both on and off the park and will continue to strive to raise the bar higher.

Off the park, we are working hard to develop our community development programme and to integrate more with the local and wider community. The passion and commitment of our loyal fans cannot be questioned and for me, it is an honour to walk into Central Park every morning as the manger of Cowdenbeath Football Club. I know that the players and staff are proud to represent this club and give 100% for the cause. I want the community to feel the same way and have pride in their local football team, and feel part of what we are trying to achieve here, to the mutual benefit of everyone concerned.

We need the support of local businesses and those further afield if we are going to succeed. Many are already on board and providing the club with vital assistance. Jim and Carolyn Paterson from Kassy’s Kitchen have offered great help behind the scenes and recently provided us with our new mascot. Also thanks to our kits sponsors Mr and Mrs Lints (Lints Property), Alasdair McLeod (Namedroppers) and MOU. It is this kind of support from local businesses that a club our size needs and we hope we can all help one another long-term and help bring others on board.

The loyal hardcore fans are the lifeblood of the club and you can do your bit by encouraging friends and family to come along to Central Park. Also, if you do not already do so, participating in our lottery would really help the club or offer your services as a volunteer. We can become stronger and ensure a sustainable future by working together.

On the park, it has been a difficult spell with so little football but we remain positive in everything we do and will deal with the hand we are dealt. It is sometimes forgotten that we were everyone’s favourites to be relegated this year but it was never in my or Iain Jenkins’ thoughts. We have all been positive since the first training session and nothing has changed - the results will come again.

We had a similar spell of inactivity last season and have learned from the experience and are stronger for it. It is going to be important to remain as injury and suspension free as possible with a very challenging month ahead with two games per week. The squad is going to be stretched with all having a big part to play from now until the end of the season.

With this in mind it’s been a great boost to have Darren McGregor, John Dempster and Danny Mackay back in the fold - very important players for us. Darren and John are a bit ahead in term of match fitness but Danny has begun his push for a 1st team return. I am delighted with his progress and I always knew with Danny’s attitude that he would come back from his bad injury and will return to the form where he left off last season. He has given us all a massive lift and we look forward to seeing him in 1st team action in the near future.

I was able to add two players to the squad during the transfer window. Scott McBride was of course already part of the squad but I’m delighted that we were able to add him on a permanent basis. Local company Namedroppers helped finance the deal and I thank Alasdair McLeod for their continued support. Mark Torrance also joined up from Livingston on amateur terms. Mark is a player I like and the deal gives him the opportunity to show us what he can do. Jay Shields and Martyn Robinson (under 19) both left the club and I wish them the best for the future.

I’m delighted to report that I have successfully completed my Uefa pro licence. It has been hard work but very enjoyable and I have picked up great experience along the two years which I’m sure can only make me a better coach, both technically and tactically, and a better manager with improved organisational skills and leadership qualities. I was at Hampden for the recent Scotland game to pick up the award from George Peat prior to the game with a pleasant meal to finish off. It was a terrific start to Craig Levein’s reign (long may it continue). It’s great to see where Craig has come from and what he has achieved - top man. His progress is inspirational for me and should also be an inspiration for all the coaches and young players coming through the ranks at Central Park.

Finally, thanks to all the fans who continue to turn up week in and week out. It really is appreciated by myself and all the players. Also a special thanks to the supporters who have been down to lend a hand over the snowy periods to help clear the pitch and surrounding areas.

Lets all continue to work together and give it a big push from here on in.

Keep supporting the Blue Brazil.

Best wishes.

Danny Lennon.