Elgin City announce Alan Murray as club's new chairman as Isla Benzie steps back from role
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ELGIN City have appointed local businessman Alan Murray as the club's new chairman.
Mr Murray will replace Isla Benzie, who communicated privately to fellow board members in January that she would be stepping back due to work commitments. She will move to become vice-chairwoman.
Elgin City's long-term chairman Graham Tatters stepped back from his role just before Christmas due to personal reasons, with Isla Benzie taking over in the interim.
Alan Murray brings with him experience from work at Dufftown Football Club.
He said: “It is an honour to accept the board's invitation to join the club as chairman.
"Increased work commitments have led to Isla’s decision to step aside from the role, but I am delighted that she will remain on the board as vice chair.
"I am well aware that I have a very hard act to follow in Graham Tatters. Graham’s hard work, enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to Elgin City over many years has been truly unbelievable and I am honoured to follow him as chairman of this great football club.
"I attend every home game and see first-hand the passion and commitment of the supporters, and how much Elgin City means to them.
"I can therefore assure our supporters that I will give everything I have to the club and promise to work tirelessly to represent the club in a manner that our supporters can take pride in.
"I want to share in their enthusiasm and will do my very best to bring measured success to the club so that we can all enjoy it together."
Mr Murray has said the club's sights will be set high – with the aim to do more than just remain in League Two.
"We have been in League Two for 24 years and, while it would be foolhardy to make any promises, I can assure our supporters that we will work very hard and aim as high as we can to bring a level of sustainable success to our club," he said.
"The league is so tight with seven very important fixtures left this season, our upturn in form has been impressive since our new management team were appointed.
"They are doing a fantastic job and I am really looking forward to creating a successful working relationship with Allan (Hale) and Stefan (Laird)."
Alan was also involved in the setting up of Elgin City Women, who are doing well in their maiden campaign in the SWFL North.
"I was delighted to play a small part in the inception of Elgin City’s first women’s team," he added.
"Since the start of this season, they have gone from strength to strength on and off the pitch and are currently sitting second in the SWFL North.
"Everyone involved should be very proud of their achievements. I look forward to planning a successful future with (manager) Mo Morrison and his team."
Outgoing chairwoman and new vice chairwoman Isla Benzie said: “I am absolutely delighted Alan has agreed to join the board.
"We have spoken on numerous occasions over the last few years and the timing is now right for Alan and the club.
"Alan has a wealth of attributes, including a vast knowledge of football in the north and shares the vision of the board for a successful Elgin City.
"I am looking forward to working with Alan as we continue to shape the club for 2024 and beyond both on and off the pitch."
