Bradley loses out on second vote

November 21, 2008

By LOUISE THOMASON

SHETLAND Junior Football Association has overturned a decision made a fortnight ago, when under-18 county coaches Derrick Bradley and Neil Moncrieff successfully fought off a challenge for their positions.

On that occasion, at the association’s annual general meeting, the pair were successful by an 8-6 vote against Ritchie Smith and Peter Moncrieff, the under-16 management team, who were attempting to move up an age group.

The defeated pair lodged an appeal, however, and at an emergency meeting on Wednesday Bradley and Neil Moncrieff lost out 6-5 when a second vote was taken, with four abstentions.

Speaking before the meeting, Bradley said: “It’s a shame it’s gone this far. I hope common sense prevails as we’re interested in football for the good of Shetland as a whole.” A statement from the Shetland Junior Football Association read: “The position of the under-18 coach was revisited due to an appeal received and subsequent office bearers meeting and decision.

“The appeal was submitted on the grounds that the voting at the annual general meeting had been unconstitutional in that people present had cast votes who were not entitled to do so.

“The office bearers therefore had no option but to revisit the election process. In doing so they apologised to both parties involved in the original vote and to the clubs for misleading the AGM on protocol and constitutional rules.”

Bradley said yesterday he was “really scunnered” at the outcome of the second vote, especially as the team was currently doing well under his leadership.

He said that he would attempt to get a re-appeal, but if that was not granted he would be inclined to quit male football. He currently also coaches the Shetland women’s team.

Also appointed at Wednesday’s meeting were Ivor Morrison to the role of vice-president and Calum Anderson, James Johnston and Patrick Robertson as fixtures secretaries for the under-14s, under-16s and under-18s respectively.