He revealed the former army physical training instructor has transformed the club’s fortunes since he took over five years ago.

And he is keen to extend his contract beyond the end of next season when he takes over the role of President from Scott Dalgleish.

Low explained: “It’s only seven years ago when we were in the depths of the Third Division and we were trying to find places like Irvine. And since they we have been going up and up and up. We were just a smidgen away from winning the final match there.

“George is fully committed to Gala. He is absolutely massive to this club. I’m personally hoping he will still be here for my Presidency, which is another three years on top. He’s signed up for another season anyway and he’s renewed it every two years so hopefully he will continue that.” With RBS Cup, Border League and Kings of the Sevens matches coming up over the next few weeks, Low pointed out there was still plenty to play for.

And he revealed he was keen to repeat the scenes of two years ago when the town turned out to celebrate Gala’s Scottish Cup victory.

Low, who was one of the drivers the night Gala were paraded through the town with the RBS Cup, said: “We are all disappointed (following the defeat to Ayr). Everybody is hurting. I spoke to every one of the players after the Ayr game and told them that none of them left anything on the pitch, they all tried their absolute best.

“They may be amateurs but they have a professional attitude and they will put that behind them and look to win the semi-final match against the Hawks. The semi-final is the gateway to the final and the final is a great day for the supporters and the players want to give the supporters a day out.” Gala said a repeat of the crowd against Ayr would be the equivalent of having a 16th player on the pitch. And the club once again appealed to the town to show their support.

Speaking at the draw for the Gala Sevens on Sunday, Low said: “The supporters were fantastic yesterday, they got right behind the team, clapped them off and stayed on in the bar in their droves to support the players. The players responded well to that support and stayed at the club all night. The players gave their all over a long hard season and only came up short by the narrowest of margins. In the final game they left nothing on the pitch, such was their effort.” Meanwhile, Gala Vice President Graham Low has passed on the club’s best wishes to President Scott Dalgleish after he was admitted to hospital on Friday. Low explained he had undergone an operation which kept him away from the draw of the 123rd Gala Sevens, in the Netherdale clubrooms on Sunday, and wished him a speedy recovery.