Port Glasgow Boys Club Amateurs have made the move from the Saturday Morning AFA to the GCFA look effortless. Eleven games unbeaten, goals coming from all over the park, and a dressing room that’s clearly buzzing — it’s been some start.
We caught up with manager Ryan Stewart to hear how the switch came about, what’s driving his side, and how they’re keeping their focus as the games keep coming.
How tough was it to make the switch from the Saturday Morning AFA into the GCFA?
Probably just it being the norm, over the years we had built up good relationships with a lot of other teams, players, refs and officials. But we just felt a fresh change was needed, a lot of the boys have been in and around the league for 7/8 years so felt it time for change. We had obviously went under our old boys club heading and brought up some younger players and a few others and that’s gave us a freshness.
What’s stood out most about the GCFA so far?
Firstly, I’ve been very impressed with how organised the set up is and already the committee and the opposing teams have been very helpful and welcoming. It’s good for us to face new opponents, play at different pitches, new refs etc. Each team is very different I feel, but we’re enjoying the new challenge.
There’s a good mix of youth and experience in the squad & management team which help’s. I think there’s a common ground across the team to win every game we can, and just to remain focused on taking it one game at a time.
Eleven unbeaten already — any moment you thought, aye, we’ve really clicked here?
I wouldn’t say a defining moment, I’m very lucky with the squad we have and the attitude they’ve got. Also, with the additions to the management team we’ve got a good structure and it’s relieved some pressure off me in the running and organising of it all, which has been a massive help.
The boys worked very hard in preseason, and have seen the rewards of that with a decent start to the campaign, but it’s very early days yet.
To be honest, I was gutted for the boys that we didn’t get the clean sheet on Saturday as we conceded with seconds left on the clock. Ultimately, we try take the same approach to every game and every session no matter who we are up against or how we’ve played the previous week. It’s the players who continue to show up and produce each week.
How do you keep the standards up every week — whether it’s a tight one or a goal-fest?
To be honest, I was gutted for the boys that we didn’t get the clean sheet on Saturday as we conceded with seconds left on the clock. Ultimately, we try take the same approach to every game and every session no matter who we are up against or how we’ve played the previous week. It’s the players who continue to show up and produce each week.
Which cup run’s been your favourite so far?
All of them, as we’ve managed to stay in them up to now. We’ve had different challenges facing teams from the 19s set up, and other leagues in the nationals and it’s the players who have stood up to that so hopefully it continues.
It’s a team effort, collectively we’re getting goals from all over the park which is pleasing. We’ve got a lot of good attacking options, but everyone is pitching in and taking some of that pressure off the forwards every week.
What’s the mood like in the changing room right now?
As I mentioned earlier, we just take the same approach every session and every game. Relay the same messages to the players and continue to work hard and see where it takes us.
It’s important that the boys enjoy the wins when they come & the changing room spirit is good and hopefully that continues.
Every fixture is important and it’s important nobody gets ahead of themselves, but there’s a lot of experience in the dressing room which won’t allow that to be the case.
What’s the main aim just now — keep the run going or make a deep cup push?
Win the next game, sounds boring but I’ve been over the course many times now and it’s far too early to start making predictions. We would like to continue to see how deep into the cups we can go and continue to challenge ourselves but we don’t look ahead of the next game, and we know we’re in very for a very tough fixture away to a very good Kings Park team.
Kings Park away next — what kind of test are you expecting there?
With Manager Ryan Stewart keeping the squad disciplined and focused, it’s clear that Port Glasgow Boys Club’s unbeaten run is no accident. It’s built on smart planning, hard work, and a strong team spirit. As they continue to make their mark in the GCFA, one thing’s certain — PGBC mean business. Best of luck to Ryan and the boys as they push for more success in the league and look to go the distance in their cup campaigns.
Footy Focus season 25/26 
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