A new partnership has been announced between the popular football media platform Open Goal and Scottish Lowland League side Broomhill FC.
The partnership will see podcast host Simon Ferry take over as manager, with the club also being renamed as ‘Open Goal Broomhill FC’ from the start of the 2022/2023 season.
Ferry, who played for Celtic, Swindon Town, Portsmouth, Dundee and Peterhead during his career, said he was “absolutely delighted” to have been given the opportunity to step into management.
The partnership will see a “variety” of club-related content created and distributed across Open Goal’s YouTube and social media platforms.
It will include a monthly fly-on-the-wall documentary that will follow the club’s pursuit to gain promotion to the SPFL.
Open Goal currently produces a number of online shows such as ‘Keeping The Ball On The Ground’, ‘Right In The Coupon’ and ‘Open Goal Meets…’
Live shows have also been performed at the Hydro in Glasgow.
Ferry, 34, said that his focus is on assembling a winning team with the hope of winning promotion.
“I am absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to take on my first management role in football as it’s been an ambition of mine for some years now,” said Ferry.
“Being able to take this first step with Open Goal involved makes the prospect all the more exciting with it being part of this amazing and unique project.
“We hope the phenomenal Open Goal fans get right behind the side and turn out in their numbers for each of our home games as the support will be vital in our pursuit for success.
“There will be some fantastic online content to enjoy but first and foremost, my role here is purely focused on assembling a winning team on the park with the aim to bring silverware and hopefully promotion to the club.
He added: “Finally, I would like to thank Jim McInally and the Peterhead Board for seven fantastic years at the club as a player and coach and for being so supportive in my decision to take on this next step in my coaching career.”
Broomhill FC’s general manager George Fraser said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Open Goal, their vision for the club matches our own ambitions and we see it as the perfect partnership.
“We have always been a club that does things differently and the chance to provide a platform for the team going forward, both on the park and off the park, is one that we couldn’t pass up.
“Our club’s future is an exciting one and we can’t wait to have the opportunity to welcome Open Goal fans to our games and showcase the best of Scottish non-league football.”
Open Goal’s commercial director Duncan Frew outlined an aim to help bring greater exposure to the league.
“This is an incredibly exciting announcement for Open Goal, Broomhill FC and the Scottish Lowland League,” he said.
“It’s a new direction that allows us to continue to push the boundaries in showcasing Scottish Football in a positive, authentic and engaging manner through our video and podcast content.
“We’re hopeful the partnership will help to bring significant exposure to the lower league, driving attendees and interest in the game.
“Simon is the ideal candidate for first team manager with a career spanning more than 14 years, he’s got a fantastic reputation and passion for the game, so we’re all looking forward to seeing how the team’s journey unfolds under his leadership.”
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