Welfare look to the future and bring back the 20s

The club are active behind the scenes and this week announced the return of its under 20s side from the start of next season.

A management team has now been put in place with Chris Gemmell, Chris Scott and Stevie Craig overseeing the side.

All have a wealth of experience coaching at youth level.

Gemmell was the Welfare’s under 17s manager in 2018/19 while Scott was most recently coaching Edinburgh City’s under 17s having previously coached at Tynecastle and doing some with for Dundee United.

Craig has coached at Edinburgh City for several years and worked with Scott last season at under 17 level.

An application to join the development League has been made and the coaching staff are already working hard to recruit players for the coming season.

It’s hoped these can be announced in the coming weeks by the club.

Welfare chairman Mark Allard welcomed the return of the 20s and said their side was crucial to the long term vision of the club.

“The re-introduction of the under 20s is pivotal to the future of Whitehill Welfare and we would like to welcome Chris and Stevie, along with Chris Gemmell, to the club,” said Mr Allard.

“With their previous knowledge and experience of youth football we are very excited about what they can bring and we are looking forward to the season ahead.”

Welfare have previously announced that first team boss Craig Meikle has stepped down. He is replaced by his assistant, Neil Janczyk.