Morecambe Football Club is pleased to announce that Mr. Jim McGuigan, father of Chairman Peter McGuigan, has agreed to perform the official opening ceremony at the Globe Arena on Saturday 31st July 2010.
Jim has lived in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire with his wife Josephine for the last 50 years and spent all of his working life in various senior management roles with the National Coal Board.He was for many years an ardent supporter of Mansfield Town Football Club and he arranged for his grandson Paul to be the club mascot for the 1987 Freight Rover final at Wembley when Mansfield defeated Bristol City.
In addition to devoting time to his family, he has worked tirelessly for those in need of help and particularly within the community of Mansfield.He was a Labour District Councillor for 24 years and for 21 of those years was Chairman of the Planning Committee.
He was conferred the title of Honorary Alderman in recognition of eminent service to Mansfield District Council.For several years he was on the committee of the Central Nottingham Health Authority in addition to participating on several other committees relating to charitable work and Social Services.
Jim commented: "I am delighted to accept the invitation from the Board of Directors to officially open the Globe Arena.
"I have obviously been kept up to date on the progress at the Globe Arena and I am sure that both the supporters and the townspeople of Morecambe will benefit greatly from the new development. Morecambe's result is the first one I look for on a Saturday and although I only attend half a dozen matches each season, I am impressed by the significant progress on the field of play during the last few years.
"Hopefully this progress will continue at the Globe Arena.One factor that impresses me immensely is the commitment to Morecambe Football Club of the local community. When a football club immerses itself within the community, this can only be good for both the football club and the town.
"The heart and soul of a football club lives within its community and I would like to wish everyone connected with the club: directors, management, players and supporters, continued success as you enter a new era in the history of Morecambe Football Club."
Chairman Peter McGuigan commented: "I am honoured that the Board have invited my dad to officially open the Globe Arena and it seems appropriate that someone who is dedicated to community projects should be opening a new development with such significant community participation.
"He is really looking forward to the opening and I know he will be given a great reception from everyone connected with the club."
