It is strange that, although there were no football match reports in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Heralds of 1883, the Ardrossan Clydesdale Football Club held its annual meeting at which it was reported to be in a healthy financial state.


ARDROSSAN CLYDESDALE FOOTBALL CLUB ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of this club was held in the Eglinton Arms Hotel, Ardrossan (shown right in the early 1960s) on the evening of Friday last (18 May 1883) when the following office bearers were elected for season 1883-84 - Captain: W Craig, Vice-Captain: F Smith, Secretary and Treasurer: C Hendry, Church Lane. The Treasurer's account showed a handsome balance on hand which it was resolved to expend in the necessary appliances for cricket.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 May 1883

CRICKET TAKES OVER FROM FOOTBALL
Footballers seem to have reached to have lost the go they possess for carrying on the game by the time the end of May is reached and give over their turbulent scrimmaging, kicking and mauling. Cricketers then come on to the bedaisyed green carpet like mayflowers or mayflies and vigorously prosecute the good old game. It is gratifying to notice that there is an increasing interest being manifested in the game in several places in Ayrshire this season - notably Ayr, Ardrossan, Irvine and Mauchline.
           
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 June 1883

FOOTBALL NOT A SUITABLE GAME FOR ADULTS
Football - accidents notwithstanding - seems likely to retain the lessening hold it has on public estimation for some seasons longer. There was quite an epidemic of incidents the other week in the shape of broken arms and legs and sprained ankles. The Lancet holds that football is not a suitable game for adults full grown. Accidents do not readily follow the footsteps of boys who keep their footing better on greasy ground than men. The number of severe accidents increase proportionately with the age and unskillfulness of the players - such as rupture, abdominal viscera, injuries to the spinal cord and blows on the chest causing syncopy and death.
           
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 December 1883