We are disappointed to have to announce that our Head of Youth Jamie McCulloch and Jonny McTear have departed Portland Park today.

This has came out the blue and despite careful planning , our successful application to join the Lowland Development League (West) and future plans they have both, without consultation, decided to join Irvine Meadow XI.

The bigger disappointment for us is that, despite the request to them for the Development Squad players to be signed some weeks ago, they failed to undertake this task and have chosen to entice them to join them at Irvine Meadow next season.

This was again without consultation with the club, and without the club being given the opportunity to speak to the players to see if they wished to remain.

We do recognise that Jamie and Jonny have every right to pursue their ambitions, however the team was not theirs to barter with.

It is a sorry end to what was, in our opinion, a good relationship.

I can only assure our fans that we have lodged a protest with the relevant body.

Jim Kirkwood
Chairman, Troon F.C.