So…. here we are at the start of the build-up to another Breedon Highland League football season but before we begin, Strathspey Thistle FC would like to send their condolences to the families of Scotland greats Craig Brown and Gordon McQueen, who both passed away recently.
The photo shows Craig Brown with Jags’ chairman Donly McLeod and committee member Mags Clark during a visit to Seafield Park in November 2014.
It doesn’t seem like it’s been eight weeks since we last communicated so there’s a lot of news to report – so let’s start, in no particular date order, with news of the first pre-season friendly…..
SATURDAY 1 JULY –
FRIENDLY AT SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN v NARN ST. NINIAN’S – kick-off 1PM
The management team of Robert McCormack and Mike Rae began pre-season training on June 1 and although some of the boys are still carrying injuries from last season and with some going on and coming back from holidays its has been slightly disjointed, but, we are hearing positive noises.
We look forward to seeing one or two well kent faces back in Grantown and some new ones as well on Saturday – I would imagine that Robert will be experimenting over the next four weeks with personnel to get the balance right before the Highland League starts, with an encounter in Forres against what will be a strong Mechanics team.
The date for your diary is Saturday 29 July kick-off 3pm.
MONK – BYE-YA
One player who won’t be there is Michael ‘Monk” MacCallum who has left the Club this summer after eight seasons. A statement from Rob McCormack said that Michael has, apart from starting a new job, chosen to leave the club for a new challenge.
He continued “that he would like to thank Michael (commonly known as Monk) for all his hard work, dedication and loyalty to Thistle for the past eight years. Not many players manage to stay at a club for such a long period of time, and that is testament to the type of player and the man Michael is. All at Strathspey Thistle Football Club would like to wish him the best of luck in the future and once again thank him for his commitment to the club”
And me too….I want to thank Monk for making his way to Grantown one very nasty night of weather so we could do some promotional photography for the new jerseys and strips – we had set up a studio in the Pagoda and that was the only night that all personnel were able to meet, and if not, it would be a couple of weeks later and we needed the photos pronto -one of his are reproduced here. Mike was always very approachable – a good guy – all the best!
SIGNINGS
As we say farewell to Monk we welcome to Seafield Park Jack Mackay and welcome back utility man Alan Kerr.
Alan Kerr has agreed a new deal until 2024!
“I am delighted Alan has committed to another year with the club” said manager Robert MacCormack. ” Since he has been here he has had some very solid performances. A very important player on and off the park for us with his experience and looking forward to working with him for another year.”
Good to keep you onboard Alan
We have signed Jack Mackay from North Caledonian FA club Invergordon FC.
Jack was captain and an integral part of the Invergordon side who won a cup double last season.
Gaffer Rob said “I’m absolutely delighted to bring Jack to the club. He’s a player I know well and he was one of my top targets to bring here. He’s had a very successful time in the North Caledonian League and is more than ready to take the step up into the Highland League. Very excited to work with him next season and he will certainly help us achieve what we are looking to do in the future.”
UNSUNG HERO AWARD
At the recent Scottish Highland League annual dinner Jags’ Chairman Donly “Digger” McLeod was awarded one of the UNSUNG HERO trophies – an award which everyone at the Club would thoroughly agree with. The Awards recognise the amount of work, effort and dedication by individuals for their clubs over the years.
STFC GOLF DAY
There now limited places for teams wanting to enter our Golf Day next Saturday (July 8) at Grantown Golf Club …..so please contact Club Chairman the afore mentioned Donly McLeod for details of how to enter on 01479 872668 -for a fine day out!
STFC invite you to enter a team(s) into the above tournament. the club have been delighted with the success of the previous years and would like to thank Bill Torrance and mtec software for their continued support.
The tournament takes the form of a four person Texas Scramble over 18 holes with the trophy and various prizes being presented at the end of the day. This years event will take place at Grantown Golf Club, which is pleased to offer the use of its facilities for this event.
Food and drink will be available from the clubhouse where you and your team can pre book any meal requirements you may have.
The cost per team will be £150 inclusive of VAT; you also have the opportunity of sponsoring a hole of your choice for an additional £25 inclusive of VAT.
Please contact us also at strathspeythistlefc@highlandleague.com to book your team and for any further information you may require.
THE GOLF DAY IS SPONSORED BY MTEC
COMMERCIAL BROCHURE
For the first time in many years we have produced a printed brochure illustrating how companies, businesses and individuals can get involved and financially help the Club.
If you would like a copy please contact us at the Club and we can send you either a paper copy or a pdf via email – strathspeythistlefc@highlandleague.com
FUNDRAISING LOTTERY
Our weekly post would not be the same without a mention of our fundraising lottery game. The jackpot this week stands at £1300 so to play click here – why not sign up for five weeks, it’s auto-renewable and you can stop playing whenever you want….