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Robbie's View

Robbie's View

Brendan Parkinson29 Aug 2017 - 18:22
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https://www.bonnyriggrosefc.co

Final thoughts from our departing manager.

It's with a heavy heart that I have made the decision to move on to pastures new but I feel it's an opportunity at this stage I can't turn down. I have always said that I wanted a crack at senior football as a manager and looking at it in reality Berwick was probably the best chance I was ever going to get with the affiliation I have with the club. I'm ambitious and determined to prove I can manage at a higher level.

I have enjoyed my time immensely with the club and I have met some great people over my time and people I now consider as good friends. My wife Carrie, daughters Lucy and Amy love the club and are really disappointed that they won't be standing on the grass embankment cheering on the Rose with their scarfs. My Dad said to me today that whenever he walks in the ground he gets a good feeling and he's right, I get the same feeling and that comes from the warmth of everyone connected to the club, committee, players and supporters.

I could never have imagined what we have achieved over the last couple of years, the history and memories we created which will be talked about and remembered for years to come. It was disappointing to win nothing at the end of last season but the games just caught up with us yet so many people I've spoken to have said they would have given up all of it to get the run we had in the Senior Scottish Cup. The feeling I had that night when we won away Dumbarton I don't think will ever be bettered. The chance to play against Hibs at Tynecastle in front of 13,000 people and just the whole build up to the game was something that we all thought we could only have dreamed about.

I feel I'm leaving the club in a much better place, with a bit cash in the bank, a very strong squad of players and with the improvements that have been made to ground on the back of the success that we have had. That's not just down to me, the coaching staff and players but also down to the fabulous committee that work incredibly hard to run and maintain the club as professionally as they possibly can. Walking in to the ground and seeing the condition of the pitch and surroundings makes me smile and it would put many senior clubs to shame.

A few notes of thanks to make. To the supporters for the unbelievable support that you have given to myself and the club over the last two years. I'm sure after my first couple of games in charge people were probably thinking the worst but you stuck by me home and away. I always feel that I'm approachable and tried to give supporters the time they deserve and I will miss my weekly chat with the regulars, even Archie's Dad who tells me I pick the wrong team every week! Thanks to our fantastic media team too, Susie and Vince who provide great coverage of the games with photos and highlights and are now also big supporters of the club.

A massive thank you to the players I have had over the last couple of seasons. I've said before the manager is nothing without players who have good attitudes, ability, desire and most importantly a team spirit which these boys have in bucket loads. They deserve so much credit for what they have achieved. They have given me everything they've got and more which makes it so difficult to only pick 11 players on a Saturday. You feel horrendous having to leave any of them out as they are such a great bunch of boys who I have developed a special relationship with.

Also got to thank my coaching staff. Kleishy and Big Whitey last season who had to move on due to family commitments and Sean this season again who has had to take a break due to family commitments. Danielle the physio, who has been so reliable and very supportive, Big Jimbo the goalie coach, an absolute gentleman, great coach and someone I hold in such high regard. My assistant and Bonnyrigg legend Davie Burrell, who is a fantastic coach and also now a good friend.

Lastly thanks to the committee. Pauline, Andy, Julie, Ian, Helen, Marie and Jimmy have all been incredibly supportive of me. Old Ray, an absolute legend, filling water bottles, helping with training kit and just being a right bloody good guy. Alastair for filling in my team sheets every week, then finally the three amigos! Bob, Brendan and Charlie, I can't thank them enough for the support that they have given me and how well they've treated myself and my family. Everything I've asked for or the players we've been given and more. We've have had a special bond over the last two years which I hope will be there for years to come.

A new manager coming in is joining a fantastic club that is on the up and with a special group of supporters, players and committee. As Chico always says to me "What a club!".
I wish the club every success in the future and hope to see everyone soon.

C'mon the Rosey Posey!!

All the best!

Robbie

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