Bonnyrigg Rose, a Scottish soccer club with a rich history, is currently grappling with a unique challenge that has led to a six-point deduction. The club, which counts the legendary actor Sean Connery among its former players, has been penalized for the sloping nature of its field.
Having recently earned promotion to the Scottish League Two, Bonnyrigg Rose has been under scrutiny to address the uneven surface at its New Dundas Park stadium. Failure to meet the league's standards regarding field gradient resulted in the points deduction, prompting the club to take urgent action.
To rectify the issue and prevent further sanctions, Bonnyrigg Rose has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at collecting over 100,000 pounds ($127,000). The funds will be used to level the playing field and implement necessary improvements to comply with league regulations.
The club has set a deadline for the end of January to outline its funding plans and the proposed timeline for the field leveling project, scheduled to commence next summer. Bonnyrigg Rose is calling upon its loyal supporters and the wider community to contribute to this crucial initiative.
In a statement, the club emphasized the significance of the fundraising efforts, stating, 'The Rosey Posey, the heartbeat of our community, needs your help. We are fundraising to assist in leveling the pitch and enhancing drainage systems to ensure adherence to league requirements.'
Despite initial estimates suggesting a cost exceeding 100,000 pounds for the necessary work, Bonnyrigg Rose has faced challenges in securing government funding, leading to delays in the project timeline. The club had initially aimed to complete the field leveling ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Notably, Bonnyrigg Rose boasts Sean Connery as one of its distinguished former players. The Scottish FA has confirmed Connery's involvement with the club's junior team in the early 1950s, where he showcased his skills as a right winger.
As Bonnyrigg Rose navigates this setback, the club remains committed to its goal of ensuring a level playing field both figuratively and literally, as it strives to uphold its place in the Scottish League Two.
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