Si Ferry, host of popular podcast Open Goal, has been announced as the new manager of Lowland League side Broomhill in a move that is set to shine the spotlight on the fifth tier next season.
Broomhill, formerly BSC Glasgow, have competed with the likes of East Kilbride, Cumbernauld Colts and Caledonian Braves in the Lowland setup in recent years and are now setting their sights on promotion to the SPFL after sealing a link up with Open Goal.
The show has been a huge hit and sparked a series of sell-out shows at Glasgow's Hydro, but now Ferry and co-contrubtors Paul Slane, Andy Halliday and Kevin Kyle are set to offer their unique take on the Lowland League, as well as focusing on Ferry's first foray into management after leaving League One Peterhead last week.
A series of podcast are being planned and the club have stated a monthly "fly-on-the-wall" documentary will provide an insight into Ferry's journey and Broomhill's pursuit of Lowland League glory.
The club, who hail from Maryhill, currently play games at Alloa's Indordrill Stadium.
Announcing their new manager, a statement from Broomhill read: "Broomhill FC are delighted to announce a historic partnership with football entertainment brand, Open Goal signifying the beginning of a new era for the club and lower league football in Scotland.
"Kicking off from the 2022/23 season, the club will be known as Open Goal Broomhill FC with former Swindon, Portsmouth and Dundee midfielder, Simon Ferry appointed as First Team Manager.
"The move will provide unprecedented mass exposure to the Scottish Lowland League with Open Goal also launching a new online series to bring its 300,000-strong social media audience behind-the-curtain and into the inner-circle of the lower league game.
"A variety of new club-related content will be created and distributed across Open Goal’s YouTube & social media platforms, including a monthly fly-on-the-wall documentary that will follow Open Goal Broomhill FC ’s pursuit to gain promotion to the SPFL with the candid footage giving fans a unique and raw insight into Simon Ferry’s first foray into football management.
"Additionally, a brand-new weekly podcast about the club will be launched which will feature guests from the team’s coaching and playing staff to provide regular updates from inside the dressing room."
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.”
Simon Ferry said: “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.
“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.
“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.”
Bonnyrigg Rose won the Lowland League this term and are currently preparing to face League Two side Cowdenbeath in the pyramid play-off final for a place in League Two next season.
This weekend Broomhill face East Kilbride in the semi-finals of the Lowland League Cup at K-Park.
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