Gala FC News

Sportsmans Dinner 2007

FUNDS at Gala Football Club have been boosted by almost £3,500 following a successful dinner.

A crowd of around 200men paid for the privilege of listening to some of the leading after dinner speakers on the circuit.A big charity auction, which featured a collection  of footballing shirts and memorabilia, and a raffle also helped boost the  fund. The dinner was organized by ex committee man Rob Headspeath. He told us: “Last year’s dinner was a resounding success but this year’s was even better. Everything was a total success and it all helps Gala Football Club. “My thanks go out to everyone who helped and everyone who came along to support us.“We are already looking at booking guest speakers for next year.”

 Footballing hardman Chic Charnley reminded everyone why he built up a reputation both on and off the field. And former international player Pat Nevin divulged some tales from his days with Scotland – and winding John Collins up about being a ‘palemark’. But the most rousing speeches of all came from sprinting legend George McNeil and also local coach Fred Blackie.
Fred slaughtered the game of rugby before firing into host, and coach of the local rugby team, Richie Gray with some good-humoured shots. And McNeil, who is regarded as the best sprinter never to have won the Olympics, received a standing ovation for his tales as a professional runner and also his time at several football clubs.