Returns, Retirements and Takeovers

Training at Peffermill tonight was marred with fresh allegations amongst Edinburgh University players and representatives over potential changes to the running of the club this coming week. Current club captain, Darren Leslie, is one of a number of committee members who are rumoured to be on the move out of the Edinburgh University unit, with Nicky Ghamgosar being the bookies favourite to be leading the club come summer.

However, Ghamgosar is not an absolute definite for the role, with other names linked with the 3rd oldest club in Scottish football being former Leeds manager, Howard Wilkinson and recently unemployed, Sven-Goran Eriksson. If Ghamgosar does make the move though, he is likely to be joined by Benji Antoni, Mark Gair or Ruaridh Hamilton who are all linked with the vice-captaincy position.

Leslie and Archer have been running the club since taking over merely a year previously when ex-captain Steven Maxwell left to pursue a legal career. Yet, it appears that they may leave the club on the cusp of financial hardship, with e-mails being branded showing players owe the money-stricken Burgh over £4000 collectively. The potential tour of China has also had to be cancelled. As of yet, a protest scarf has not been produced, but that may be because of the lack of supporters the 4 University sides manage to attract to games.

On a happier note, the nights training saw the re-emergence of two committee members, Jordan Roberts and Tom Rhimes. Roberts has been out for over 4 months with a knee injury, using his time to venture to the cinema by himself and comb his hair. Roberts stated that “It is good to be back. I have missed the shower times after the games”.

Goalkeeper Rhimes, who also suffered a knee injury, attempted to make the British Olympic squad in Rowing with his time off. But having missed out he came back to the only sport that matters once his injury had subsided. “Yeah it is great to be back training with the lads” said Rhimes. “I heard Tom Agnew may be out after his 3 match ban comes through so thought I would return and get into form”.

On this night of busy activity, another announcement was made. Long serving, balding central midfielder Dave Meehan, who really does live up to the 2s nickname “Tombstone”, is retiring from football come the end of the season due to his inability to run anymore. The Irishman has been a great service to Edinburgh University and it is believed the club have respected this by organising a testimonial for the player which is to be played against Lancaster University next Thursday night. It is likely that other final year students will take the field with him before a night out with the player’s WAGS at Shanghai on George Street.

So, it appears that Edinburgh University Football Club may well look different come Monday evening, with an AGM being called to resolve the issue of who is going to represent the club on the committee and lead the University side to success in the coming year. Whoever is lucky enough to be granted the opportunity to be on the committee will be taking over one of the best group of lads in club football, and need to be prepared to handle the 40 boys who are eagerly booked on the tour to Magaluf in June. Imagine Sven on tour...