Montrose FC Directors John Paton and Malcolm Watters, after an incredible combined tenure of over 100 years, have both decided to step down from active duty on the Club’s Board.

John first walked through the doors at Links Park more than 64 years ago, and over the years has served the Club in one capacity or another, including a spell as Chairman. With a background in banking and a deep passion for the game, John’s experience and guidance has been invaluable to the Club and has helped to guide them through the highs and lows of those years.

Malcolm’s first involvement with the Gable Endies came as a volunteer Commercial Manager in 1981, before becoming Secretary and being co-opted as a Director shortly after. In 2008, having held the Secretary role for an impressive 25 years, Malcolm stepped back from the day to day in depth running of the Club, but remained as an active Director on the Board. 

Presenting the pair with special awards to recognise their decades of devoted service were Chairman John Crawford and Chief Executive Peter Stuart.

Peter said, “John’s connection and dedication to the Club is remarkable. In my time here, he has always wanted what is best for the Club both on and off the field and has a vast experience in the game to call on. He is also highly respected  both at club and national level, and is the first person that visiting Directors ask after.

“On behalf of everyone at the Club I would like to extend a sincere thanks to John for all his efforts over his incredible 60+ year tenure.”

John Paton commented, “In order to achieve the ambitions of the Club I felt it was time for me to make way for a new Director who would bring fresh ideas and a modern approach to the running of the Club, thereby assisting the current executive who have successfully taken us to new heights in recent times both financially and commercially.

“The decision to retire after so many years on the Board wasn’t an easy one but I am very happy that I shall continue in my Honorary position.”

Of Malcolm, John Crawford said, “Malky has been an incredible servant to the football Club for over 40 years and has also given me great support along the way as we have enjoyed many years together on the Board. The Club Secretary role comes with an array of responsibilities and duties and for a quarter of a century Malky carried these out with great diligence and detail.

“On behalf of everyone at the Club I would like to also extend a sincere thanks to Malcolm for all his efforts over his amazing 40+ year tenure.”

Malcom added, “We are fortunate to have such a strong board at the moment, with good business heads, and having been involved myself for over 40 years I felt it was a good time to step back. I am very happy with and look forward to continuing my involvement with such things as being part of the Fundraising Committee, organising our Annual Golf Day and being Matchday Doorman, allowing me to welcome our hospitality guests and have some good banter with our Gable Endies Club members.”

Although stepping back from the board, John and Malcolm will both still retain an active interest in Club matters as they continue in their Roles as Honorary President and Vice-President respectively.

Our photo shows from the left, Peter, Malcolm, John Paton and John Crawford.