It's Miller time as Pat is new Academy chairman
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Pat Miller is the new chairman of Wick Academy in a move that has been hailed as "fantastic news" for the club.
Miller, a former manager of the Harmsworth Park side, stepped into the position following James Innes's decision to stand down as chairman last month.
Also appointed to the Academy board is Stewart Gunn, who will be vice-chairman. He replaces Ewan Mackenzie who decided not to stand for re-election.
Mel Roger replaces Alan Farquhar as the club's secretary after he too announced he would not run for the post for the coming season.
Outgoing chairman Innes welcomed the trio to the board and assured fans that the club continues to be in good hands.
He said: "In a matter of three days we have a seamless handover with all positions filled and it gives me great pleasure to announce the new club chairman as Pat Miller.
"Pat was proposed for and accepted the role as chairman at Sunday’s committee meeting and will be able to stand for the three-year tenure position at the 2020 AGM as per the constitution.
"Pat's loyalty to Wick Academy is unparalleled – in fact it’s verging on devotion – but more importantly he’s not blinded by football passion, which is crucial when making business decisions for the club. He has held positions of player, manager, physio/kitman, committee and executive committee member and now club chairman as well, which is fantastic news for Wick Academy.
"Stewart and Mel are also brilliant additions to the executive committee and have both been involved with the club for many years in their own capacities.
"We've been very lucky to have Mel and her husband Bob photograph hundreds of matches both home and away for countless seasons, capturing the history of the club for decades to come, and her superb administration skills are evident for all to see.
"Stewart has also been a 'weel kent face' around Harmsworth Park for many years, as and when his successful business life allowed, and following his election onto the committee two years ago, he’s an excellent choice to step up to vice-chairman."
Innes also took time to thank both the club and the supporters for their help during his stewardship of Academy but also took a swipe at a handful of dissenters on social media.
He added: "After five years in the role as chairman I’d like to thank everyone who has helped the club during my tenure – fans, sponsors, players, managers and their staff, committee members and all the volunteers, which we all are, and without which Wick Academy could not survive.
"Ninety-nine per cent of you have been so supportive to me and for those that weren’t, I can only apologise I didn’t meet your obvious higher expectations.
"It’s very easy to nit-pick on social media these days and we just have to accept that the thoughts of people with strong opinions are now heard louder than before the internet came along – not always a bad thing, but it could be argued it lends itself to spurious information being portrayed as fact by some people as a means of causing trouble or seeking attention. Just my opinion, of course, which apparently everyone is entitled to.
"I wish Pat and his wife Patty my very best wishes as he guides the club upwards and onwards in a new era ably assisted by Stewart and Mel, all of whom have my full support."
