BRIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD

AWAY MATCH v FORMARTINE UNITED FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
NORTH LODGE PARK, PITMEDDEN, AB41 7PA
SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm

Snow and ice at North Lodge Park was the culprit for the postponement of our last scheduled league match against Formartine – so hopefully history will not repeat itself and we can actually get going again and play some fitba’.
This will be Formartines’s third home game in a row having played a league game against Fraserburgh last Saturday and a cup game against Hermes FC on Wednesday, winning both, and, with them currently sitting in sixth place in the league it will be a very difficult task to prise any points from them. One of the main concerns is our lack of competitive action we have had since the turn of the year, in comparison to Formartine, who have played three games in February alone.

On the playing side, Jags’ boss Ryan Esson has more or less a full squad to pick from this week we, and as ever we wish the boys all the best in what we think will be a very competitive game. 

LAST SATURDAY’S MATCH v CLACHNACUDDIN

The postponement of the Clach game due to a frosted Seafield Park was one of three games off in the Highland League and with full hospitality booked and a good crowd anticipated it was also another financial blow to the Club.

With fifteen matches to play before the scheduled season’s end on 12 April, everyone at the Club is concerned at how this will affect our playing staff as, considering they all have day jobs and having to play probably at least seven mid-week games, it will be exceptionally tough and hope they can all get through unscathed.

Having to play mid-week also, unfortunately, compromises our earning capacity both at the gate and with our hospitality packages.

The joys of winter football.

SAM SIGNS UP

On the bright side of the road we are thrilled with the news that local lad Sam Morrison has agreed to join us on loan from Buckie Thistle until the end of the season.

Sam in 2009 and in 2025

As you can see from the photographs Sam grew up here in Grantown, and his dad Eddie played for us many moons ago and was a committee member when we joined the Highland League – his photo was also taken on the day of our first Highland League match in August 2009.

Eddie “Van the Man” Morrison before our first home league match in the Highland League in 2009

Sam will do all he can to help in our quest to climb the league and will be a great asset to the squad…..and on a personal note I am delighted as I have been pestering Sam for years to join the Jags…..the Strathspey ones that is….!


FIXTURES UPDATE 

Fixtures between now and the end of March are as follows – as ever please check with our Facebook and other social media pages for up-to-date information …..more dates will be added when the games are arranged and we are notified….but hopefully there will be no more weather interruptions….. 

Wednesday 19 February – Brora Rangers FC – away- KO 8pm
Saturday 22 February  – Nairn County FC – home – KO 3pm
Saturday 1 March – Keith FC – home – KO 3pm
Wednesday 5 March – Buckie Thistle FC – home – KO 8pm
Saturday 8 March – Banks O’Dee FC – away – KO 3pm
Saturday 15 March – Inverurie Locos FC – away – KO 3pm
Wednesday 19 March – Huntly FC – home – KO 8pm
Saturday 22 March – Rothes FC – home – KO 3pm
Saturday 29 March – Fraserburgh FC – away – KO 3pm

 Matchday Hospitality in the Mackellar Suite on Saturdays. 
Join us for £50 per person.

Sat 22 Feb – vs Nairn County FC 
Sat 1 Mar – vs Keith Football Club
Sat 22 Mar – vs Rothes Football Club
Sat 12 Apr – vs Turriff United Football Club

Package includes:
Complimentary pre-match bar / 2-course lunch / Match entry / HT refreshments

FT pay bar

Email hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk
to book for the remaining Saturdays and for information about Wednesday night hospitality.

LOTTERY NOW £9800

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9800 on our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play online …

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES

After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

  1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
  2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
  3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
  4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
  5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
  6. All winners will be notified.

SAM MORRISON JOINS ON LOAN FROM BUCKIE THISTLE

We are delighted to confirm the loan signing of 26-year-old defender Sam Morrison from Buckie Thistle Football Club, joining us until the end of the season!

Sam’s experience and defensive strength will be a fantastic addition as we look to finish the season strong.

Welcome to the Strathy Jags, Sam!

GET INS-ON (BANG A GONG)

HOME MATCH v CLACHNACUDDIN FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2025 KO 2pm

THIS MATCH IS SPONSORED BY THE MACKELLAR GROUP

THERE WILL BE A PITCH INSPECTION ON SATURDAY MORNING AT 9.15 AM SO PLEASE CHECK WITH OUR SOCIAL MEDIA  FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.

ALI SMITH
This will be our first chance to pay tribute to our friend and Jags’ committee member of twenty-eight years, Ali Smith, who passed away last month. There will be a minute’s applause before kick-off and both teams will wear black armbands in his memory.


This Saturday, weather permitting, we welcome high flying Clachnacuddin FC to Seafield Park for what will be the last of our 2pm kick offs for the 2024/25 season.
Clach currently sit in a very commendable fourth place in the Breedon Highland League with forty two points from twenty four games –  especially considering they finished one place ahead of us last season on second bottom. That they have done this is a great achievement and one every club would like to emulate and we congratulate them for that – however, that doesn’t mean they are guaranteed leaving Grantown with the three points as The Jags will be giving their all, especially after having only played one game in 2025 so far. 
Clach usually bring a good support with them so if anyone needs refreshing on what is happening in Grantown please click here.
Over the years the clashes between Clach and the Jags has been great entertainment. There has been a fair bit of rivalry between the teams, as most of the players know each other very well….and probably both sets of supporters will recognise a few players this weekend in a change of shirt. I would imagine this Saturday will be no different and we hope we see a crackin’ game of fitba’….. 

Gaffer Ryan Esson will have more or less a full squad at his disposal so we wish him and the boys all the best.

LAST SATURDAY AT KEITH
It’s becoming a bit like a broken record but as you will probably know last Saturday’s match against Keith scheduled for Kynoch Park was postponed due to a frozen pitch…the joys of Highland League football in winter but the forecast for this Saturday, at the moment, looks reasonably promising but as ever, please check our social media for up-to-date information.
We will let you know when we have had further notification of the dates from our postponed matches.

MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY AND FIXTURES UPDATE

Q&A Session – Post Match Clach

Gordon Smith

We’re delighted to announce that Gordon Smith will be a special guest in our Mackellar Suite this Saturday! 
Gordon, the former Kilmarnock, Rangers, Brighton, Man City player and SFA Chief Executive, has very kindly offered to do a Q&A session post-match for us!
Join us in the Mackellar Suite for a post-match beer as we dive into Gordon’s incredible career.
A reminder also – the game kicks off at 2pm!

UPDATE – we have received a cancellation in our Mackellar Suite for matchday hospitality on Saturday – for more information email:
hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk for more info.

 Matchday Hospitality in the Mackellar Suite on Saturdays.

 

Join us for £50 per person.

Sat 22 Feb – vs Nairn County FC 
Sat 1 Mar – vs Keith Football Club
Sat 22 Mar – vs Rothes Football Club
Sat 12 Apr – vs Turriff United Football Club

Package includes:
Complimentary pre-match bar / 2-course lunch / Match entry / HT refreshments

FT pay bar

Email hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk to book now.

Fixtures between now and the end of March are as follows – as ever please check with our Facebook and other social media pages for up-to-date information …..it’s going to be a busy time with eleven games in eight weeks, six home games and five away and more dates will be added when the games are arranged….hopefully there will be no more weather interruptions….. 
Saturday 15 February  – Formartine United FC – away – KO 3pm
Wednesday 19 February – Brora Rangers FC – away- KO 8pm
Saturday 22 February  – Nairn County FC – home – KO 3pm
Saturday 1 March – Keith FC – home – KO 3pm
Wednesday 5 March – Buckie Thistle FC – home – KO 8pm
Saturday 8 March – Banks O’Dee FC – away – KO 3pm
Saturday 15 March – Inverurie Locos FC – away – KO 3pm
Wednesday 19 March – Huntly FC – home – KO 8pm
Saturday 22 March – Rothes FC – home – KO 3pm
Saturday 29 March – Fraserburgh FC – away – KO 3pm

LOTTERY NOW £9700

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9700 on our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES

After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.

There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 

The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

  1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
  2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
  3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
  4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
  5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
  6. All winners will be notified.

CLIVE’S NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 2025

January’s newsletter is dedicated to Ali Smith, long-serving committee member and a friend to so many at the club, who sadly passed away earlier this month and whose funeral was held on Thursday 30th.

Ali Smith

Many a Jags’ fan arriving at Seafield Park, and countless supporters of many of the Highland League teams who visited Strathspey Thistle, were met with warmth and a smile from Ali, especially in his latter duties in the 50/50 half time raffle booth.

He will be greatly missed by us all. 

Friday 3rd: Saturday’s trip to Formartine United was an early casualty of the weather, all of the scheduled Highland League games eventually following suit, but there was good news on the signings front as the Jags made Filip Franczak’s loan deal permanent and extended goalkeeper Euan Storrier’s loan until the end of the season. 
Manager Ryan Esson told the Press & Journal: “I knew what type of player Filip was and I knew he could do a job for us.
“He’s done really well and the club has done very well to sign him permanently. It allows us to build for the future.”

Saturday 11th: A snow-covered Seafield Park pitch looked lovely but meant the postponement of the home game against Buckie Thistle. 
Off the pitch, both Stephen Rennie and Scot Docherty extended their Jags’ contracts until the end of the season.
Stephen and Scot have played vital roles in our campaign so far, and we’re delighted to have them stay with the squad as we push for a strong finish.

Saturday 18th: Eventually we got to play our first game of 2025 and an important one too against a Lossiemouth side also involved in the battle at the bottom of the league.
Unfortunately the Jags found themselves a goal down in the 10th minute and a tight contest was settled by a second home strike early in the second-half.
Although we upped our game in trying to get back level in the last thirty minutes ,twice hitting the woodwork and Stuart Knight, the Lossie keeper, pulling off a great save diving low to his right stopping a defender’s deflection it was not to be and we left Grant Park pointless.

Saturday 25th: Another postponement as the home game against Brechin City fell foul of the weather, a shame on all fronts as bookings for the hospitality suite were full and a coach load of away fans supporting the league leaders were expected.

Hospitality in the Mackellar Suite – Book Your Spot Now!
We are now taking bookings for matchday hospitality in the Mackellar Suite on the following dates:

  • Sat 8th Feb vs Clach (SOLD OUT)
  • Sat 22nd Feb vs Nairn County
  • Sat 1st Mar vs Keith
  • Sat 22nd Mar vs Rothes
  • Sat 12th Apr vs Turriff (last home game of the season)

Contact our Commercial Director, Laura Mackie via email at hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk for more information.

£50 per person, includes: Complimentary Pre-match Drinks; 2 course lunch; Match entry; Half Time Refreshments; Post-match pay bar
Also, don’t forget that our bar in the Mackellar Suite is open pre-match, half-time, and post-match for refreshments. Cash and card payments are accepted, so come along, grab a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Strathspey Thistle Club Lottery – Jackpot Now £9,500!

We’d love to see a jackpot winner this new year, and with our jackpot currently sitting at an impressive £9,500, now’s the perfect time to get your entry in!

Good luck and thank you for your ongoing support!

YOU BETTER, YOU BET

AWAY MATCH v KEITH FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
KYNOCH PARK, KEITH, AB55 5EB
SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm

WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF A PITCH INSPECTION AT KEITH ON SATURDAY MORNING – PLEASE CHECK OUR SOCIAL MEDIA SITES IF YOU ARE PLANNING GOING TO THE GAME FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION

As someone who has had a shottie or three on a drum kit, the first thoughts I have on seeing the name Keith is the drumming monster that was Mr Keith Moon….this Saturday, I hope will offer us the opportunity to snare the three points at Kynoch Park!

It will be our first meeting with Keith this season as both our attempts to play at Seafield Park have been thwarted by either some form of weather or cup ties…..
Keith sit in fourteenth place in the Breedon Highland League with twenty-one points from twenty-one games and have not had a great 2025 so far, with four losses out of the four games played. 
Last week they faced Lossiemouth and lost by two goals to nil, a similar scoreline from our last game a couple of weeks ago, and Jags’ gaffer Ryan Esson took the opportunity to attend the match as our game had been postponed and he was quoted in the press as saying Keith were veru inlucky to lose as they were the better side.
So Saturday’s game looks as though it could be a cracker and with the Jags having to put some points on the board we wish. as ever, Ryan and the boys all the best and hope they can leave Keith with at least a point.

LAST SATURDAY’S GAME v BRECHIN CITY

Although Storm Eowyn created havoc throughout Britain and Ireland last Friday it was Jack Frost who really put paid to our league encounter with Brechin City.
After a tough week’s weather Seafield Park had minus temperatures most nights and latterly in the week, coupled with heavy rain during the day which all resulted in a referee’s inspection early Saturday and an unplayable pitch. 


ALI SMITH 

Most committee and Jag’s supporters who were able to, attended Ali Smith’s funeral on Thursday 30 January at a packed Old Abernethy Kirk in Ali’s home village of Nethy Bridge. There was a very large number of people present  – which is only what would have been expected as Ali was one of life’s good guys and he will be sorely missed by all at Strathspey Thistle Football Club and beyond.

Ali Smith

Davie Millar, Ali’s cousin spoke of his and his family and friends memories of Ali and began with the following –

“You would think I would know most things about Ali :
I know that he was one of the finest people I’ve known.
I know that I’ve never heard anyone to say a bad word about him.
I know that he would do anything for anyone.
I know that he always saw the best in people.
I know that he was loved and well liked by everyone who knew him.
I know that his family, his dear Marje, his boys, their partners and his grandchildren meant the world to him.
I know that I and many others admired him.
I know he was a good man.
I know that no one ever saw him be annoyed.
I know his memory and legacy will live on for a long, long time

Ali also reminded me of one particular football game when he was in goal for his local welfare team, Nethy Bridge.
He couldn’t speak for laughing when it happened and had another laugh relating it again.
Ali attempting to kick the ball up the pitch.The ball struck his brother Davey Smith, playing centre half, on the back of his head.
Of course the ball rebounded and ended up in the back of the net.
Safe to say Davey did not react in a similar way.”

Strathspey Thistle Club Historian Rob Clark wanted to write a few words in honour of his good friend for the website.

In March 2001 Strathspey Thistle returned to France for the second time to play against the team of Grantown-On-Spey’s Twin Town Notre Dame de Monts. Now the first time the team flew, but this time they decided to go by coach & ferry. The Two Coach drivers were both committee members; Johnny Ross & Ali. 
The route map showed the journey would take approx 22 hours and keep in mind this was before the days of smart phones and GPS etc…So the bus was on route approaching the French capital City of Paris.
We went around looking for the exit to the Vandee…… and we went around again…. and again…and again until one of the players Cameron Munro called out “Hey that’s the fourth time we have passed that Cafe!” 
It was a six hour detour going around the Paris ring road before eventually arriving at Notre Dame de Monts near 10pm! 

Ali and the late Johnny Ross photographed at The Jag’s first home Highland League match in August 2009

With a welcoming group party waiting all that time for us to arrive and wondered why we were so late! Johnny blamed Ali … Ali blamed Johnny! 

The following week we had a league game away to Lossiemouth and back in the day when cassette tapes were the entertainment on the coach, the tape was put in the first tune was Bonnie Tyler…Lost in France!!!

If you didn’t know Ali, his likeness to former Dunfermline Athletic Manager Jim Leishman was uncanny! It caused much laughter over the years, especially on Strathspey Thistle away journeys to play in the Scottish Junior Cup or Scottish Cup and the fun was that even his own son, Jag’s centre half Gareth would call him “Big Jim”. 
I remember especially a trip away to Irvine Victoria in the OVD Scottish Junior Cup when, at the time, Jim Leishman was the Manager of Highland League side Inverness Thistle, we kept the deception going all day and especially with the Irvine Vic’s Committee who we convinced that he was Jim Leishman and he was joining Strathspey Thistle!!

Being hospital bound and more recently in Lynemore, the local care home, Ali never let his health condition upset him.
Unfortunately this season this kept him away from all the matches. However he kept in regular touch with Clive and myself on match days. 
His cheerful manner doing the 50/50 half time draw tickets will be missed, and for many seasons he and Mags were the regular sellers and in all weathers. However I will never forget the day when it was heavy rain and the bag of tickets was soaked, however, ever resourceful, Ali dried out all the tickets before the draw, in the shack microwave!!

Rest in Peace Ali, thanks for the memories, thanks for being the voice of reason on many a committee debate, thanks for your 28 seasons as a Committee Member… We all will miss you.”
Rob Clark

The Club will commemorate Ali at our next home game with a minute’s applause and both teams will wear black armbands.


FIXTURES UPDATE 

Fixtures between now and the end of March are as above and as follows – as ever please check with our Facebook and other social media pages for up-to-date information …..it’s going to be a busy time with eleven games in eight weeks, six home games and five away and more dates will be added when the games are arranged….hopefully there will be no more weather interruptions….. 

MARCH

Saturday 1 March – Keith FC – home – KO 3pm

Wednesday 5 March – Buckie Thistle FC – home – KO 8pm

Saturday 8 March – Banks O’Dee FC – away – KO 3pm

Saturday 15 March – Inverurie Locos FC – away – KO 3pm

Wednesday 19 March – Huntly FC – home – KO 8pm

Saturday 22 March – Rothes FC – home – KO 3pm

Saturday 29 March – Fraserburgh FC – away – KO 3pm


LOTTERY NOW £9600

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9400 on our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.

There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 

The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

  1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
  2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
  3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
  4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
  5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
  6. All winners will be notified.

MY HEART IS IN THE HIGHLANDS

HOME MATCH v BRECHIN CITY FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 25 JANUARY 2025 KO 2pm

THIS MATCH IS SPONSORED BY THE MACKELLAR GROUP

As Scotland cowers from Storm Eowyn we hope that this Saturday, weather permitting, we host Brechin City at Seafield Park in a Breedon Highland League match – with a kick off scheduled for 2pm – which is the last 2pm kick off planned for this season .
Brechin, who until last weekend were top of the table, but because of their Scottish Cup tie against Hearts, it offered Brora Rangers the chance to overtake them – so Brechin sit a point behind Brora but with a game in hand.

Speaking of the cup tie which Hearts won, I don’t think anyone will forget Brechin’s opening and only goal which was an absolute scorcher by substitute Scott Bright. 
Scott came on early in the game for City’s captain Euan Spark, who dislocated his shoulder, and I would doubt if he will be featuring in the game on Saturday.  
After the Jags loss to Lossie last week the onus is on them to get something from the match and as ever we wish Ryan and the boys all the best for a competitive match. 

There will be a morning pitch inspection as we have had a few frosty days and nights this week so keep a lookout on our social media pages for up-to-the- minute news and we welcome players, committee and usually a very good travelling support to Grantown and if they wish to check out what the town can offer click here. Safe travels and enjoy your day.


LAST SATURDAY’S MATCH v LOSSIEMOUTH FC

To say the result was very disappointing is an understatement. 

There was a good turnout of Jags’ fans who made the trip to Lossie probably confident of a positive result but unfortunately it was not to be.

We lost a goal early in the first half when we couldn’t clear from a corner, and early in the second half Jag’s keeper Euan Storrier saved well but his parry arrived at the boot of a Lossie forward who niftily directed the ball into the net.
Although we upped our game in trying to get back level in the last thirty minutes ,twice hitting the woodwork and Stuart Knight, the Lossie keeper, pulling off a great save diving low to his right stopping a defender’s deflection it was not to be and we left Grant Park pointless.
As Jag’s boss Ryan Esson after the game said in a interview for the P&J Football Weekly TV show that we are generally improving and are far more competitive but we must tighten up at set plays into our box and also put away the chances we make …..I think most would concur with that assessment but it is the games against our nearest teams in the league that we must win.

This week sees us hosting recent table toppers Brechin City which I hope results in a decent performance and as we always say, you never know in football…..it is also Burn’s Day so “the best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley”


FIXTURES UPDATE 

Fixtures between now and the end of March are as follows – as ever please check with our Facebook and other social media pages for up-to-date information …..it’s going to be a busy time ….hopefully there will be no more weather interruptions….. 

Saturday 1 February – Keith FC – away – KO 3pm

Saturday 8 February  – Clachnacuddin FC – home – KO 3pm

Saturday 15 February  – Formartine United FC – away – KO 3pm

Wednesday 19 February – Brora Rangers FC – away- KO 8pm

Saturday 22 February  – Nairn County FC – home – KO 3pm

Saturday 1 March – Keith FC – home – KO 3pm

Wednesday 5 March – Buckie Thistle FC – home – KO 8pm

Saturday 8 March – Banks O’Dee FC – away – KO 3pm

Saturday 15 March – Inverurie Locos FC – away – KO 3pm

Wednesday 19 March – Huntly FC – home – KO 8pm

Saturday 22 March – Rothes FC – home – KO 3pm

Saturday 29 March – Fraserburgh FC – away – KO 3pm


LOTTERY NOW £9500

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9500 on our online fundraising lottery –click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES

After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.

There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 

The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

  1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
  2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
  3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
  4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
  5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
  6. All winners will be notified.

ALI SMITH

Ali Smith

It is with a very heavy heart we share the news that our long serving committee member and friend, Ali Smith passed away in Lynemore Care Home, here in Grantown this morning.
Ali will be remembered for his warmth and welcoming disposition and who was always ready for a laugh, and his company was always enjoyed by everyone who knew him.

Football was a passion for Duncan Alistair Smith, whether it was in goal for his beloved Nethy Bridge in the local welfare league, or with his dedication to Strathspey Thistle over many years. 

Ali and the late Johnny Ross photographed at The Jag’s first home Highland League match in August 2009

Ali was also a very active committee member and was also able to combine his early profession as a coach driver by ferrying the Jags about the North. There are many amusing stories from these days which will no doubt be reminisced upon over the following days.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife Marje, sons Gareth and Alistair,  his brother Andrew, sister Madge and their families and family friends.
Ali’s brother the late Davie Smith also served on the Jag’s committee.

Many a Jags’ fan arriving at Seafield Park, and countless supporters of many of the Highland League teams who visited Strathspey Thistle, were met with warmth and a smile from Ali, especially in his latter duties in the 50/50 half time raffle booth.

Ali welcoming from Harrogate, fans of the Club Steve Pattison and his son Brody, strangely at our home fixture in August 2021 against tomorrow’s opponents Lossiemouth FC.

I am sure too that all club committee members from all over the North will remember Ali with much fondness too.

He will be greatly missed by us all. 

A RETURN TO THE SEA(SIDE)

AWAY MATCH v LOSSIEMOUTH FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
GRANT PARK, LOSSIEMOUTH IV31 6JG
SATURDAY 18 JANUARY 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm

Hopefully, Mother Nature will be kind to us all this weekend and allow a full card of football this weekend.

We’re off on our travels to the seaside, and to Grant Park in Lossiemouth and a Breedon Highland League fixture against Lossiemouth FC.
It would be fair to say that this is a must win game for both teams – Lossie sit in sixteenth place in the league, one point ahead of ourselves – we’re in eighteenth place, but with two games in hand – so there is everything to play for the Jags as three points would lift us off the bottom of the league.
We would hope for a repeat of the score in the game in August at Seafield Park when we won by three goals to nil.

Gaffer Ryan Esson, this week was quoted in the local paper to be very much looking forward to the remainder of the season as the enforced break, due to the weather, has resulted in being able to iron out some frailties we had earlier in the season and there is much confidence throughout the players and coaching staff for our prospects of moving up the league table. 
We now seem to be have most of the squad available for selection, with long term injuries Jordan Laidlaw back training and Jamie Calder back running, so we wish Ryan and the boys all the best in our first game of 2025….and a far more successful year than the majority of 2024 was.

STEPHEN RENNIE AND SCOT DOCHERTY CONTRACT EXTENSIONS 

Stephen Rennie
Scot Docherty

The Jags’ would like to confirm that Stephen Rennie and Scot Docherty have extended their contracts with Strathspey Thistle until the end of the season!

Stephen and Scot have played vital roles in our campaign so far, and we’re delighted to have them stay with the squad as we push for a strong finish.


RAFFLE WINNERS
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Festive Raffle! We are delighted to announce the lucky winners:

1st Prize – Golf Break for 4 at Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness: Suzie Young (#09755)

2nd Prize – Fine Dining at The Crossing Kingussie: A Oakes (#04935)

3rd Prize – Festive Hamper: Iain McNaught (#02812)

Other Prize Winners:
Gavin Cairns (#00431) – Dinner for 2 at The Speyside Hotel on 14th Feb
Roger Masters (#06440) – Bottle Gin
Tom Cummings (#00756) – Case of Moretti
Dave Macpherson (#06112) – Full Body Massage Feel Good Therapy
Sarah Macritchie (#06853) – Amarone Voucher £100
Margaret McCulloch (#06382) – Tanqueray Gin
Darren Sutherland (#06918) – Bottle of Rum
Willie Gillies (#01182) – Bag of Food Goodies
Aaron Haggan (#08868) – Amarone Voucher £100
Phil Hollett (#08941) – Bottle of Prosecco
Bob Sahota (#09270) – Cairngorm Hypnotherapy Voucher
Kerry Allan (#03985) – MKM T-shirt & Crafty Coo Highland Coo
Vicki & Natalie Paterson (#09254) – Hair Layer £40 Voucher
Scott Barlow (#08049) – Bottle of Red Wine
Lizzie Grant (#00563) – Bucket Hat & MKM T-shirt
Rob Conner (#06146) – Macleans Hamper
Dace Kvitko (#00068) – 1/2 Day Electrical Matty McInnes
Heather Horton (#01383) – Café 1 Voucher
Kerry Allan (#05788) – Cairngorm Hotel Aviemore £50
Alan McKenzie (#06697) – Bottle of Grants Whisky
Charlie Brindle (#03451) – MKM Oddballs
IRF Nixon (#02085) – Baxters Mini Hamper
Pamela Davidson (#09959) – Caorunn Raspberry Gin
Susan Bettoli-Riley (#06314) – Bottle Prosecco
Chris Barclay (#00211) – Bottle Ouzo
Angus Cowe (#06306) – Bottle of Red Wine

Congratulations to all our winners! 
We will be in touch with winners to arrange delivery/collection of prizes.

Thank you so much again to everyone who donated prizes and bought tickets from everyone at Strathspey Thistle – and a big thank you must also go to Mags and Rob Clark, ably assisted some of the time by Charlie Sinclair for their ticket sales day at Premier Grantown – also everyone else who sold tickets………


FIXTURES UPDATE 

Fixtures between now and the end of March are as follows – as ever please check with our Facebook and other social media pages for up-to-date information …..it’s going to be a busy time with thirteen games in nine weeks, seven home games and six away….hopefully there will be no more weather interruptions….. 

Steven MacDonald (5) bullets a header past the Broch defence in our 2-2 draw on 2/11/2024.

Saturday 25 January – Brechin City FC – home – KO 2pm …this is the last of our Saturday 2pm kick offs.
Saturday 1 February – Keith FC – away – KO 3pm
Saturday 8 February  – Clachnacuddin FC – home – KO 3pm
Saturday 15 February  – Formartine United FC – away – KO 3pm
Wednesday 19 February – Brora Rangers FC – away- KO 8pm
Saturday 22 February  – Nairn County FC – home – KO 3pm
Saturday 1 March – Keith FC – home – KO 3pm
Wednesday 5 March – Buckie Thistle FC – home – KO 8pm
Saturday 8 March – Banks O’Dee FC – away – KO 3pm
Saturday 15 March – Inverurie Locos FC – away – KO 3pm
Wednesday 19 March – Huntly FC – home – KO 8pm
Saturday 22 March – Rothes FC – home – KO 3pm
Saturday 29 March – Fraserburgh FC – away – KO 3pm

MATCH SPONSORSHIP ALERT!!!!
We’re down to our LAST available match sponsorship for the season! 

This is your chance to promote your business and support Strathspey Thistle at our last home game of the season:

 Saturday 12th April vs Turriff United Football Clu

 Whats included:

 – Social media coverage in lead up to game
– 3 course Lunch with wine
– Pre Match Complimentary Bar
 – Reserved seating in the stand
 – Half Time refreshments
– Post Match Complimentary Bar 
 – Man of the Match Presentation

This is our last match of the season – act fast before it’s gone! 

Contact Laura now to secure your spot.

Email: hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk


LOTTERY NOW £9400

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9400 on our online fundraising lottery – what a great start that would be to the New Year – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES

After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.

There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 

The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

  1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
  2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
  3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
  4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
  5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
  6. All winners will be notified.

And that’s all for this week sports fans – all we would like to do is wish the Highland League representatives still left in the Scottish Cup this weekend all the very best – to Fraserburgh, who Jags’ fans might remember we managed a well earned draw against on 2nd November, for their trip to Ibrox to face Rangers in a game I am sure will be the highlight of many of their players careers, and to Brechin City, in their warm up to visiting Seafield Park next Saturday, with their tie against Hearts at Glebe Park on Friday night.

BUCKIE THISTLE MATCH OFF

HOME MATCH v BUCKIE THISTLE FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE
SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2025 KO 2pm

Well….it won’t have taken the brains of a genius to have discovered that Saturday’s game against Buckie Thistle has been postponed. The photo shows a very picturesque Seafield Park in it’s winter clothing but it’s not so wonderful for fitba’.

A snow covered Seafield Park.

So our focus now moves to next Saturday’s crucial encounter against Lossiemouth FC at Grant Park, Lossiemouth. 
It’ll be our first outing of the New Year as it will be for Lossie although they did suffer a heavy defeat from high flying Brora Rangers on the last Saturday of 2024′
We didn’t have a game that day as our last game was the Saturday before, in an exciting 3-3 draw at Forres…..let’s hope that the weather forecast is correct when warmer weather is predicted for next Saturday and we can get back to playing regularly. 


FILIP STAYS

Filip Franczak

On a far happier note we’re delighted to confirm that Filip Franczak has made his move to Strathspey Thistle permanent.  
Filip joins us from Forfar Athletic Football Club (Official) and has signed with the club until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Although only 18-year-old he has already impressed us during his loan spell, bringing strength to both our defence and midfield.  Filip’s development and experience, from his time at St Johnstone to his standout performances with us, have made him a key player in our squad.
Head coach Ryan Esson commented: “We’re pleased that Filip has committed to the club long-term. His ability, work ethic, and positive attitude will continue to play a major role as we build for the future.


FESTIVE RAFFLE

The Festive Raffle was to have been drawn on Saturday after the Buckie game but plans have had to be changed obviously.

So you have a couple of days extra to get yoiur tickets as the draw will now take place after our committee monthly meeting on Monday night(13 January) The inclement weather has played havoc with the meetings too-we were meant to have met last Monday night but the snow and ice put paid to that – so fingers crossed all goes well for Monday night – the forecast does look promising though.
Result of the draw will be on our social media pages as soon as possible afterwards.

You can still buy tickets from our committee members, playing squad, and management team. ……or drop us an email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

Thank you for your incredible support and a big thank you to all who have very kindly donated prizes! 

1st Prize: A fabulous stay at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness  – 2 twin rooms for 1 night, bed & breakfast, PLUS a 4-ball at Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club Links
2nd Prize: A Fine Dining experience for 4 at The Crossing Kingussie – perfect for a special night out! 
3rd Prize: A festive hamper filled with seasonal goodies! 

And that’s not all – we have lots of other fantastic prizes up for grabs! 

Tickets: £1 each /£10 for a book…


DATES FOR YOUR 2025 DIARY 

These are the scheduled homegames for January and February and their kick-off times.
Saturday 25 January at 2pm – Brechin City FC
Saturday 8 February at 2pm – Clachnacuddin FC
Saturday 23 February at 3pm – Nairn County FC

With no game scheduled for Saturday 16 February there may be a previous postponed game arranged for that date.
Please check with our very much up-to-date social media if there are any changes with kick-offs etc.
For hospitality availability and details please contact : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

There will be a cash bar for all spectators from 1-2 pm and then at full time.


LOTTERY NOW £9300

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9300 on our online fundraising lottery – what a great start that would be to the New Year – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES

After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

  1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
  2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
  3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
  4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
  5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
  6. All winners will be notified.

That’s all sports fans for this week….wrap up warm now!!!

FORMARTINE GAME OFF

AWAY MATCH v FORMARTINE UNITED FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
NORTH LODGE PARK, PITMEDDEN, AB41 7PA
SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm

Snow and ice at North Lodge Park is the culprit for the postponement of Saturday’s league match against Formartine – so our attention now shifts to next weeks’ home encounter with Buckie Thistle…
We still have sixteen very important games left  – I know every game is important, but as we near the season’s end they just seem more important. Because of the inclement weather in December and the postponement of three home games and now two away games, we are faced with nine home and seven away matches before 12 April which is the designated final day of the season.


LAST GAME OF 2024 – AWAY AT FORRES MECHANICS SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER 

team phonepic courtesy Rob Clark

In horrific conditions for a game of football both teams must be commended for producing a thriller.
Forres had wind advantage in the first half and took the lead in four minutes, but Liam Shewan equalised with a cracker of a goal after eighteen minutes and two minutes later Josh Race lobbed the ball goalwards but the wind blew the ball away…. 

Two of the scorers at Forres – Liam and Josh

As conditions worsened, Forres regained their lead after a defensive error following a Forres corner in thirty-eight minutes but just before half-time Josh Race equalised for the Jags.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, Sean Ellis, a trialist for the Jags, headed home our third goal only to be followed four minutes later by a Forres equaliser and that’s how it stayed until the final whistle.
A very well deserved point, especially as Forres are twelfth in the table, so hopefully this could result in a turning point for the rest of the season.


PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT – EUAN STORRIER

Euan Storrier

We can confirm that goalkeeper Euan Storrier’s loan deal from Buckie Thistle Football Club has been extended until the end of the season!
Euan has been a key addition to our squad, and we’re delighted to have him continue with us for the remainder of the campaign.


JAGS’ CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR RAFFLE RAFFLE

It’s nearing January 11th and the draw for our annual festive season raffle so if you want a chance of winning some fantastic prizes it’s imperative you get your tickets soon and support The Jags!

 1st Prize: A fabulous stay at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness  – 2 twin rooms for 1 night, bed & breakfast, PLUS a 4-ball at Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club Links
2nd Prize: A Fine Dining experience for 4 at The Crossing Kingussie – perfect for a special night out! 
3rd Prize: A festive hamper filled with seasonal goodies! 
And that’s not all – we have lots of other fantastic prizes up for grabs! 
Tickets: £1 each /£10 for a book…
You can buy tickets from our committee members, playing squad, and management team. 

……or drop us an email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk
The draw will take place on: Saturday 11th January, in the Mackellar Suite after the Buckie Thistle game.
Thank you for your incredible support and a big thank you to all who have very kindly donated prizes! 


DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – JANUARY FIXTURES

For hospitality availability and details please contact : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

Don’t wait—book your place now!  
There will be a cash bar for all spectators from 1-2 pm and then at full time.


FATHER & SON FOOTY ADVENTURES

In September we were visited by Dean and his sons Reece and Coby and we were really chuffed at their recollections of their experiences here at Seafield Park. This week they put on their Facebook page a fantastic drone shot of Seafield Park taken when they were here.

From Father & Son Footy Adventures ©

You can read all about their visit on their facebook page – address below 
Hopefully we will welcome them back to Grantown next season or before…..

YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@dadandsonfootyadventures1170

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089358692160


LOTTERY NOW £9200

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9200 on our online fundraising lottery – what a great start that would be to the New Year – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES

After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

  1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
  2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
  3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
  4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
  5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
  6. All winners will be notified.