Everyone at Broughty United would like to say a huge thank you to Peter Malone. Peter is our longest-serving current coach, having first joined Broughty United when he began coaching our 2004 age group. What followed was many years of dedication, commitment and friendship, eventually bringing his coaching journey to a close with our 2009s.
Like so many grassroots coaches, Peter's football journey started because his sons were involved with the club. Over the years he gave countless evenings and weekends to help young players develop, not just as footballers, but as young people too. Along the way, football became a real family affair, with both his wife and daughter catching the football bug and enjoying playing recreational women's football themselves.
There have been so many memorable moments during Peter's time at Broughty United, including watching young players grow and develop year after year, seeing the hard work they put into training rewarded on the pitch, and, above all, watching them play the game with smiles on their faces and a genuine love of football. Reaching the team's first cup final last season also stands out as a particularly proud moment, even if they just fell at the final hurdle.
Reflecting on more than 20 years of coaching across a number of teams, Peter joked that he's now been "reduced to loitering around the shops!" Somehow, we don't think that'll last for long.
Peter has always been committed to improving as a coach, earning his coaching qualifications and continually developing his knowledge of the game. Even though he's stepping away from managing a team, we're delighted that he has promised to keep those qualifications up to date and has already said that if any Broughty United team ever needs an extra pair of hands for training, he'll do his very best to help out.
That sums Peter up perfectly. He's always been someone willing to give his time for the benefit of others, and that attitude has made a real difference to the Broughty players in his teams.
Grassroots football simply couldn't survive without volunteers like Peter, and everyone at Broughty United is incredibly grateful for the commitment, patience and encouragement he has shown throughout his many years with the club.
Whilst this chapter may be coming to an end, we're pleased to know it isn't really goodbye. We look forward to seeing Peter back around Whitton or Orchar Park from time to time. Knowing Peter, football is in his blood, so we're sure we'll see him back at the club before too long, lending a hand wherever he can and continuing to be a valued member of the Broughty United family.
Thank you for everything you've done, Peter. Your contribution to Broughty United has been immense, and you'll always be part of the club's story.
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