Latest News - 22/08/2025

Our Mary calls time after 34 years

One of the most familiar faces at Galabank has called time on a remarkable 34 years at Annan Athletic.

Clubhouse bar manager Mary Hamilton pulled her final pint on Sunday – but has no plans to be a stranger and will enjoy tomorrow’s match against Dumbarton as a fan from the stand.

“I normally only get to see a few minutes of our home games, so I’m really looking forward to seeing more of the team playing. It will be nice coming over, watching the games and going back into the club,” she said.

Manager Wullie Gibson – alongside club captain Tommy Muir, striker Aidan Smith and midfielder Charlie Maxwell – presented Mary with a bottle of champagne to mark her retirement and celebrate her work for the club.

Fans and directors have also been expressing their thanks for work Mary has been at the heart of, with visiting supporters from across the country widely toasting the Galabank clubhouse as one of the most welcoming in the SPFL.

Mary said: “I’ve had a brilliant time, but the time’s right to move on. It will feel strange not being behind the bar, though.”

The mum-of-three has had a special view of Annan Athletic’s journey over the last three decades, from title glories in the East of Scotland League, to the club’s rise into the SPFL, promotion success – and everything in-between.

She’s played her part in some of the club’s biggest days – including the visits of Glasgow giants Rangers – welcomed players and supporters celebrating successes, families marking special occasions and all manner of parties and events.

And when not behind the bar, of which she’s been manager for a good number of her 34 years, she’s joined the travelling support for some of the most memorable away days in the Black and Golds’ history.

But, what’s her most memorable game?

Mary, who’s originally from Clydebank, told us: “It has to be that Scottish Cup game against The Bankies. That was the big one. It was just incredible.”

After finishing 2-2 in normal time, that 2022 fixture went to extra time, with Annan trailing 3-2 going into the dying minutes before Rob McCartney and Iain Anderson struck to secure a 4-3 win – and a tie against Rangers at Galabank in the next round.

Life at Annan Athletic has been a family affair for Mary.

Her husband, George, was club treasurer for many years. Her children – Gordon, Stuart and Kirsty, along with daughter-in-law Wendy – have all been part of the bar staff, while two of her grandsons have been glass collectors in recent years.

That family connection continues, with Stuart and Kirsty having run the pie shop for more than 25 years.

“The football club’s been a big part of life for all of us,” Mary added. “It’s been nice having everyone involved. They’ve been good jobs. When we’ve had big family occasions and parties, they’ve all been celebrated here as well.

“I’ve worked with some great people as well. We’ve always had a good team of staff behind the bar.”

Annan Athletic chairman Russell Brown thanked Mary for all of her work.

He said: “Mary and her family have been a big part of Annan Athletic for so many years. She’s done a brilliant job. Fans, directors, staff and players all wish her a happy retirement. We really hope she enjoys being at Galabank while not working.”

• The Galabank clubhouse is available for hire for functions and events. For more information about that – and matchday hospitality packages – email exec@annanathleticfc.com.