Nairn County confirm long-serving secretary Ian Finlayson has retired from his role at Station Park with Highland League club
Nairn County’s long-serving secretary Ian Finlayson has retired from his role at the club.
A familiar face – and voice – around Station Park in Highland League matches, Finlayson has stepped down from the club’s management committee after 10 years.
It would be a cliche to say that Nairn County is in Finlayson’s blood, but in his case it is true, as his father having also served on the club’s committee as secretary and vice-chairman.
Club chairman Kevin Reid commented: "As an individual, Ian is simply irreplaceable at Nairn County. With everything he did for the club, he will be a huge loss to us and it will leave a massive void, which is why we are looking for more than one person to take on all of the tasks which were carried out by him.
"He will still remain a part of the club as an advisor and he is going to lead on our annual club licence application, which is crucial for us to be able to play in the Highland League.
“That is a substantial piece of work in its own right, so I am delighted that he has offered to help us out with that and it takes a bit of the pressure off us.
"As well as being the secretary, Ian carried out a broad range of other activities on behalf of the club.
“He completed nightly security checks at Station Park, arranged our annual disability access audit, ensured all legislation was adhered to and policies and procedures were in place, represented the club with great dignity at Nairn's annual Remembrance Day service and one that was very close to his heart, organised and distributed our annual Christmas hampers to deserving folk in Nairn. He was even known to throw in the odd appearance as Santa Claus if we had a home match right before Christmas!
“Of course, supporters will probably know his dulcet tones from his uplifting public address announcements at our home game, he has truly been the voice of Nairn County.
"Ian advised the committee not long after the start of last season that this would be his final season with us as his work and other commitments away from the club have increased.
“He has now officially stepped down and on behalf of us all at the club, I would like to thank him sincerely for everything he has done for Nairn County and wish him all the very best for the future. I am sure Ian will not be a stranger and I am looking forward to welcoming him to Station Park if he is ever free to pop over to watch the team on a Saturday."
Upon his departure being made official, Finlayson himself said: "Anyone who knows me knows how much Nairn County means to me and the long, steep history my family has had to the club.
"I have felt for a while that I needed to take a step back due to other commitments and my intention was always to get to the end of the season.
"I cannot think of a better person to lead the club at the moment and Kevin and the rest of the committee have my full backing. In fact, my final act as a member of the club's committee was to propose Kevin as the new Chairman.
“I will be helping out where I can and I already cannot wait for the new season to start so we can kick on."