Gary Faulds was in charge of Arthurlie for only 22 months but in that time we have had some great high points and also some low ones as well.

He could not have had a more difficult start to his career at Dunterlie when he was given the task of securing the clubs premier status against a backdrop of player anarchy in the aftermath of Frank Lynch’s departure. As fate would have it his first game in charge was at his former employers in a West of Scotland cup tie at Larkhalls Gasworks Park on the 25th March 2006, the 3-2 win was a good start. League games were the priority and it got better with a 2-1 win over Pollok at Dunterlie that eased the relegation worries but 4 defeats on the spin meant the dogfight would go to the wire.

Johnston Burgh were the biggest threat to Arthurlie staying in the premier league and they had the chance to move above us on the 1st May as they entertained struggling Shotts while we faced champions elect Auchinleck at Dunterlie. A quite amazing performance from Arthurlie secured a vital three points and when news filtered through of Burghs defeat it turned out to be a massive night for the club. We now had three games left and needed just three points for safety but the next game saw one chance gone with defeat at Shotts. As an indication of just how important staving off relegation was came when we drew Pollok at home in the Central League Cup and rather than risk injury to his squad Gary signed the entire team from Arthurlie Utd for the night and they were unlucky to lose on penalties to a rather embarrassed Lok side. D Day arrived in the shape of already relegated Larkhall at Dunterlie in the penultimate game. The game turned out to be a real nerve shredder with Larkie leading 2-1 deep into the second half but Chris Kerr got us level and a screamer of a free kick from Gary Wilson meant it was mission accomplished for the new boss.

Season 2006-2007

Gary’s first full season started with him being in a position that no Arthurlie manager has ever been in before when every single player left the club and so he had to build a team completely from scratch. It was a busy July at the club as the new team started to take shape but optimism was high when it all got going in August. With a brand new team it was no surprise that early results were patchy and failure to qualify from the Sectional league cup was no big deal.
The fixture secretary had a touch for the dramatic when the seasons opener saw the new side at Newlandsfield to face Pollok and most people reckoned it was too early in the season for such a stern test. No such thing as the ‘lie survived a red card and 2 home penalties to win the game 2-1 with Ross Ballantyne and Joe Andrew doing the damage, the penalty saves from James Evans meant it was a amazing start to his Arthurlie career. Another 4 wins in the next 5 league games and we had the best start for decades with fans dreaming of glory and when champions Auchinleck were put to the sword it was dreamland for Arthurlie.

Next up in the Scottish were Petershill and they really should have won at Dunterlie after a poor display from Arthurlie but the replay was another great day out as we thumped them 5-1 to set up a quarter final at home to Yoker. The dream of a Scottish cup semi final place looked to have died as Yoker went 2-0 up in the first half but another half time turnaround saw 4 goals for the ‘lie in the second half and we were once again on the way to Love Street.
Come the last day of March and we were still in all competitions so Pollok winning in the Central league Cup first round was not seen as a major setback but what happened next was the stuff of nightmares for all Arthurlie fans as we were thumped 4-1 by eventual Scottish Cup winners Linlithgow Rose at Love Street in the semi final and this was followed by league defeats at Renfrew, Neilston and a quarter final loss at home to Glenafton in the West. In the space of 5 games we were out of everything and despite our early promise were now at the wrong end of the table. The team made a strong finish however and 5 wins and 2 draws in May saw us finish 3rd in the table, the rollercoaster was over but real progress had been made and the future looked bright for Gary and his team.

The progress made the previous season looked to be continuing as despite losing top scorer Joe Andrew to Alloa, team captian Roland Fabiani to Bellshill and defensive lynchpin Paul Hilland to Irvine Meadow the squad looked stronger. The team qualified from the league cup sections for the first time in six years and the path to early silverware looked clear with Clydebank beaten 3-0 to set up a semi final against Glencairn. There is no doubt that this game was the start of the rot that eventually cost Gary his job as a desperate display saw the ‘lie tumble out on penalty kicks.
With confidence low the players struggled in the league and just one point from the opening three games piled on the pressure with a visit to table topping Beith looming. The game was a cracker with Beith 2-0 and 3-1 ahead only Arthurlie to roar back and in the end be disappointed to only pick up a point.

A nervy 2-1 win over Girvan in the Scottish followed before Arthurlie picked up their first three points of the season with a 3-0 success at struggling Cumnock. The fans hope that the corner had been turned were dashed when Neilston drew 3-3 at Dunterlie before a shocking display saw us crash out of the Scottish 3-0 at Glenrothes.

The natives were getting restless against a backdrop of inconsistent performances and poor results but winning 4-3 at Pollok bought the manager some time but in the end three defeats on the spin and reaching the new year without a home league win just proved too much and Gary resigned on the 30th December

Looking back over Gary’s time at the club you first have to recognise just how difficult a task it was for him to keep us in the premier league while working under terrible conditions in his first season. He managed this and conducted himself with dignity throughout and for this everyone at the club is truly thankful. His first season with his own team was brilliant experience with the cup runs the obvious highlight, in the end we just fell short but the journey was memorable. This season has been difficult for all concerned but I truly believe that Gary has left the club with a strong pool of players who will go on to prove they can be a success at Dunterlie.

Thanks for your time at the club Gary and we wish you and Stevie all the best at your next club.

Overall record in league games
Played 44 Won 17 Drawn 11 Lost 16 For 71 Against 62

Overall record in cup games
Played 27 Won 16 Drawn 2 Lost 9 For 70 Against 35

Complete record in allcompetitive matches
Played 71 Won 33 Drawn 13 Lost 25 For 141 Against 97