1st The club gives a warm welcome to our new assistant manager Robert MacCormack. He joins us after being first team manager at Invergordon FC, team manager at Black Rock Rovers FC and finally first team manager with Alness United FC of the North Caledonian League. He has various qualifications including the Scottish Football Association badges for 1.1 and 1.2 courses.
4thIn one of the best performances of the season the team came very close to beating high flying Nairn County. After a goalless first 45 minutes, the Jags took the lead through a 20-yard shot from Daniel Whitehorn on 54 minutes and it was no more than they deserved. County came back fighting and on 87 minutes got the equaliser they had fought so hard for. In the second half referee Kevin Buchanan issued nine yellow cards in what was a feisty encounter. Although disappointed about not getting the season’s second win, upon reflection it was a very good result. A real confidence boost for everyone associated with the club
11thOff to Aberdeenshire to take on Inverurie Locos at Harlaw Park. The best day of 2023 for weather with sunshine and warmth. Last September we drew 2-2 with Locos at Seafield Park in a pulsating game, conceding a goal in the 85th minute. It was the first time we had taken a point from Inverurie during our time in the Highland League. Today started ok but goals on 10 and 16 minutes set the team back and a further goal on 33 minutes left us with lots to do. The second half was more even and we created a couple of half chances but in the end conceded a fourth on the hour and it was game over. Prepare now for the visit of Huntly on February 18th
15thThe club are very pleased to announce that their new Manager is 32 year old Robert MacCormack who was first team manager of North Caledonian League side Alness United.
He spent two and a half years with the club which includes winning the Ness Cup in 2021. Robert now has to start planning for a possible relegation two-leg game and also for next season and which league we will be playing in. The club wishes to place on record their thanks to Brian Ritchie and Craig Ireland who have run the team while the search for a new manager was carried out. Robbie Flett, our goal keeping coach will join with Robert. Brian and Craig remain with the club and hope to bring through more local players to play for the Jags in the future.
17thIn an interview with The Press and Journal new boss Robert MacCormack is optimistic about the future with Strathspey. He has always wanted to test himself at the highest level possible and is delighted by being given the opportunity with The Jags.
18th Woke up to the sight of overnight heavy snow in the Strathspey area. Carried out two pitch inspections at 0800 and 0900 as Huntly needed to know by 0930 as their bus would be starting from Aberdeen. It was very disappointing for the club to have to call the game off but 3 to 4 inches of snow is difficult to clear. Financially the club took a hit because we had hospitality booked for the game and we are unlikely to have it for when the game is rescheduled.
19thLeague secretary John Campbell informs us that the Huntly game will now be played on Wednesday March 8th with kick off at 8pm.
22ndRobert MacCormack makes his first signing by bringing 28 year old midfielder Michael Grimes to Seafield Park. He joins us from Alness United of the North Caledonian League. Tonight is Robert’s first game at MacKessack Park, Rothes. Again we conceded an early goal after 5 minutes but the team matched their hosts for the next 25 minutes with Ross Logan very close after a mazy run but again Rothes took charge and by half-time we were four down. The second period was a big disappointment for all Strathspey followers with the final score 9-0 to the home side. Not the start that Robert wanted and it doesn’t get any easier as on Saturday it’s up the A9 to Brora.
23rd A second signing confirmed today with 26 year old Jake Lockett, a forward, joining us from St.Duthus of the North Caledonian League. He has plenty of experience in that league and is hoping to make his debut on Satuday at Dudgeon Park Brora.
25th After the disappointing performance at Rothes it was with some foreboding we set off for Brora, a top six team and Champions two seasons ago. We need not have worried. A fine defensive performance limited the home side to few chances and as the first half came to a close we were hopeful of keeping the reds goalless but it was not to be. With literally the last play of the opening 45 minutes a goal was conceded to a free header from a corner.
The second half followed the pattern of the first as defensively we were organised and competitive but showed little attacking flair and eventually the pressure allowed the home team to score a second. The performance of the team was a 100% improvement on Wednesday night at Rothes and let us hope we can follow up the much better team show when we face in our next two games, Huntly and Keith at Seafield Park on Wednesday 8 and Saturday 11 March respectively.
Clive Wolstenholme 28.022023