A NEW year means the start of a second year of competition for Rhu Amateurs’ over-35 team – and coach Sam Gemmell is looking to try and bolster the squad for the new season’s tournaments.

The Rhu squad was set up last year to compete in the Football Central Over-35 League against several well-established clubs from across the west of Scotland.

The new season starts in March – and Gemmell is keen to attract new players to bolster the Rhu ranks.

He told the Advertiser: “When I took it on last year I was of the belief that it was just lads playing with their mates on a Friday night in bounce games... how wrong I was. 

“Turns out it’s a very competitive set up in a very well run league, and with some very good teams in it. 

“For quite a few of the lads who took part last year it was their first time playing football for a few years but despite that we competed very well against most of the teams in the league and had a decent run in the end of season cup competitions. 

“With this year's competition kicking off in March we are looking to recruit some new lads. 

“The simple rule is that you’ve got to be 35 or over.

"Training sessions will start next week, so if you’re interested please get in touch via the club Facebook page or you can contact me direct on 07738 953810.”

The 2023 season drew to a close with a ‘player of the year’ vote, with David Stevenson the inaugural award winner after a very good - some would say very busy - season between the sticks.