This was not quite the celebratory script laid out by the people at Rossvale F.C. ahead of their 10th season kicking-off on Saturday away to Cumbernauld United.

The Bishopbriggs-based club should have been heading into their first WoSFL competitive outing with well-established gaffer David Gormley’s hand on the reins. Instead they have been plunged into turmoil and left manager-less after the former Auchinleck Talbot ace elected to take up an offer to join Broomhill F.C. in the Lowland League.

Broomhill were previously the successful B.S.C. Glasgow side, managed by Stevie Swift while playing out of Recreation Park in Alloa and thought to be on the very cusp of promotion into Scottish League Two.

But the end of season departure by Swift to take up the role at Stenhousemuir was followed by details being leaked of an apparent split in the Glasgow outfit’s ranks that has led to the formation of two separate footballing identities.

Broomhill F.C. continuing to operate at Lowland League level and B.S.C  Glasgow F.C, one of the WoSFL newbies in Conference Division Four and playing out of Springburn Park’s well used astro-grass facility.

Broomhill officials were not slow off the mark in replacing Swift at the start of May with former Dunfermline and Partick Thistle midfielder Martin Hardie. However, whispers that recruiting new players has been anything but plain sailing were all but confirmed last Friday by a terse club statement saying: “Broomhill FC have decided that we will not be beginning the current Lowland League season with the current management team in place.

"Although we had originally planned to rebuild under the direction of Martin Hardie in his first managerial role, it became clear that it was not going to work out for both parties and made the decision to part ways. We thank Martin and his team for their work.”

The case for Gormley’s appointment to the post had already been made and was all but signed and sealed prior to the Hardie announcement.

Gormley revealed: ”The approach came right out of the blue and I took time to mull things over before deciding this was the right time in my career to take up a new challenge. To move away from a club where I’ve been treated so well and enjoyed some great times was not easy and informing the people at the club of my intentions was one of the hardest things I’ve ever did.

“I also told the players before last weekend’s friendly game against Gartcairn and you would swear they were trying their utmost to persuade me to have a rethink by serving up an absolute stormer of a display in what was my last game in charge.

“I told them beforehand to do it for themselves and not me but I certainly took a lot of pride in the manner of their 3-0 winning  performance."

The once feted striker added: “So much hard work has gone into developing this squad of players and it all starts again now because Broomhill is yet another rebuild but I’m not running scared at the prospect.

“The people at Rossvale asked the question if I would be headhunting any of their players and I said Yes because I’d much rather be up front and honest with them rather than sneaking about behind their backs.

“Whether any of the guys would actually want to move with me is another question and probably one that will not be answered any time soon.”

Gormley’s first game as Broomhill boss requires him to negotiate a trip through to face Edinburgh University where he will be joined in his dugout beat by Mick Dunlop and Mick Devlin.

He revealed: "I couldn’t just close the door on Rossvale and walk away with the opening games of the season imminent so a couple of my coaches Bill Raeside and David Adams will help look after team matters until a new manager is appointed.

“They will then move to Broomhill as I place a great value on their input.”

Rossvale as a club are remaining tight-lipped over Gormley’s possible replacement options. however sure to receive more than a passing mention is highly regarded former player Kirk Forbes, currently operating as part of Gordon Moffat’s backroom team at Clydebank.

Meanwhile, Yoker Athletic have opted to recognise the club’s longest serving player, Gary Bissland, with a testimonial match at Holm Park this coming Sunday 18th July.

A team of Yoker legends will take on Clydebank heroes to mark midfielder Gary’s outstanding 17 years commitment to one club which began in 2004 when he stepped up from Goldenhill Boys Club Under 21’s

One of his former managers Graeme George will boss the Yoker team which will include ex-players from across the years. while in the opposite dugout, will be current Pollok No 2  legendary ex-Bankies player and manager Budgie McGhie.