Month: July 2023

STARTING OVER

Well….off we go and into another season in the Breedon Highland League and full of optimism for a better season than we produced last year. Realistically we’re not going to win the league – that’ll be up to the six or seven clubs whose finances mirror their ambitions of winning it – but we are hoping that the performances on the park week in and week out warrant a lot more points and we concede a lot less goals than we did last season – I think most Jags fans would be very happy with that which in turn will hopefully entice in more spectators at Seafield Park.

Manager Robert MacCormack, assistant manager Mike Rae and first team coach Robbie Flett have had a successful pre-season with the boys with four good wins and a narrow defeat.
We are better prepared for the rough and tumble of the League than we have been for a few seasons now, so hopefully our optimism will be rewarded with some good results in the next few weeks – even though as we stated last week we have six away games out of seven to start with – our first home game is on August 19 which is sandwiched between four away and then, three away games – admittedly two are cup games which we have been drawn away from home but financially it’s a costly start …..

THE TEAM

There are plenty of changes from last year and hopefully we will have a far more permanent squad as there were many ins and outs over the past year which didn’t help with consistency.

Goalkeeper James Kendall played a few games towards the end of last season and proved that he will be an asset at the back.
Local lad Liam Grant, who was out for most of last season with injury, has been involved in a couple of the pre-season games so we are hoping that this year he will be able to retain and maintain his fitness as he was missed last year. Owen Paterson returns and his recent performances at right back have been excellent – and has scored a couple of goals ! Another loca,l Cairn Giles has also extended his contract for another year. He impressed very much in defence last year, but, again, one or two injuries prevented him having a long run in the team. They join new signings Taylor Sutherland and Caelan Mutch in a much changed defence and one we at JagsWeb have high hopes for. Both Taylor and Caelan  have looked very impressive pre-season and we assume that will continue into the Highland League.
It was good to see that both Joe Cuthbert and Alan Kerr had signed on for another year – Joe who has been with the Jags for a mighty long time always gives one hundred per cent and can play in either defence or midfield or up front so it’s great to have him back, as it is Alan, who finished last season with a nasty injury and as such has missed some of the pre-season build up, but will be back to continue his versatile roles either at the back or up front. 
With the addition of some recognised defenders this hopefully allows captain James McShane to return to his rightful and best position – that is in mid-field along side Jack Gilliland, Jack Davison and local lad, Daniel Whitehorn. This year they are joined by Jack MacKay and ex-loan player, now fully signed Seamus McConaghy as well as Owen Loveland another on—loan player returning for a year so we at JagsWeb think that’s an excellent selection of players and we are excited to see how they will merge together in what we think is a strong and powerful mid-field. This quality also gives Manager Rob a lot of permutations and cover for injuries etc….
Ross Logan returns up front to bamboozle the opposition defenders and this year he is joined on the other wing by Iain Ross a player very similar to Ross in his playing skills so hopefully we will have double-bamboozle…..and up front will have Mike MacKenzie who joined at the end of last season and in the games he has played has shown that he can score goasl and create chances for his team-mates. James McLaren has also signed on a years contract and having played some games pre-season and scoring twice we hope that he will continue in that vein – Jude Fraser also joined us pre-season and in his first game scored a good forward’s goal before suffering a nasty injury so we look forward to getting him back to fitness to join what we hope will be a really successful forward line.

AWAY MATCH v FORRES MECHANICS FC
MOSSET PARK, FORRES, IV36 1AU
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
SATURDAY 29 JULY 2023 – KO 3PM

We make the short 22 mile journey to Forres and off to Mosset Park we go…..
This has been the usual start to our league campaign over the past couple of years or so – it’s either a home or an away fixture against The Can-Cans.
First games are always different as both teams are full of expectation and the hope of a decent performance and result to set them up for what is a long campaign over the winter. 
As already stated above there will be quite a difference in our starting line-up from last season, so fingers crossed we get off to a good result, but, more importantly the boys play well and give their all – other than that as supporters we can’t ask for more.

After Forres we’re off to Pitmedden and Formartine United next Saturday.

LOTTERY

The usual finish to the post is to invite you to play our fundraising on-line Lottery game – click here for more details – the jackpot this week stands at £1700 – and remember you have to be over-16 to play….thanks and good luck.

AWAY MATCH v NEW ELGIN 

Assistant manager Mike Rae takes the Jags to the Nicol-Togneri Park for a meeting with New Elgin Juniors FC.
This will be our last friendly before the League season starts on the 29th and our visit to Forres. 

Manager Robert has been topping up the tan in Spain and having a well earned rest after all the hoopla since joining us in February, especially recently preparing the team for next season and negotiating the contracts for new players for those who are extending theirs so we hope he’s had a relaxing time and is already for an interesting start to the season with only one home game in our opening seven games – five league games and two cup ties…..

Our only home game is on the 19 August with a visit from Banks O’Dee FC, but we are hoping to re-arrange our postponed annual match with a select from the Strathspey & Badenoch Welfare League at Seafield Park on the Saturday 12th of August. 
We are working on this and perhaps making it a bit of a gala day, plans are afoot, so hopefully everything will fall into place …..

MATCHES AT SEAFIELD PARK AGAINST JEANFIELD SWIFTS AND INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE U-18S 

Two matches in Grantown in the past week have again shown much encouragement for the season ahead.

Although we went down 4-3 to Perth side Jeanfield Swifts on Saturday afternoon the performance was good. We were two down after twenty-one minutes recovering to lead 3-2  after fifty-nine minutes only to lose a two more goals in a seven minute patch in the latter stages of the game.

So, taking all into account and with three preventable defensive mistakes it was a reasonable afternoon run out and another step on the road to Forres. Two of our goals were scored by a trialist and the third was scored by our captain James McShane. We were playing in our dark away strips and the contrast between the two strips could not have been more – see the photo, James (on ground) is hidden  by one of the Swift’s defenders.

We then welcomed a very talented Inverness Caledonian Thistle U-18 team to Grantown on Wednesday night and again it was a very close but enjoyable game. We lost a goal in the first half and although we had chances the game was pretty even up until about seventy minutes when we seemed to up a gear and had a very positive end – scoring two goals both very good, one from defender Owen Paterson, his second goal this season, and the other from forward Ross Logan. All in all another excellent work out and we look forward to Saturday and New Elgin.

MORE GOOD NEWS 
Another player extension… Daniel Whitehorn has agreed a new deal until 2024! 

We are delighted to tie down Daniel on another 12 month deal, he is a player that really came into his own towards the tail end of last season with some exceptional individual performances. We are very happy that he has chosen to extend his stay in Grantown. 

LOTTERY
As ever we end this week’s post with an invitation for you to play our fundraising lottery game with this weeks jackpot standing at £1600 – click here to go to the online page ……

Manager Rob has had a busy week in signing and re-signing players.  The good news is that Daniel Whitehorn has extended his contract as well as we would like to welcome Iain Ross, Jude Fraser and Taylor Sutherland to Seafield Park – we hope they all enjoy contributing to a exciting and successful year ahead…

Iain Ross has signed for STFC on a 12 month contract.
With a wealth of experience from playing in the North Caledonian FA we can’t wait to see what he can bring to Strathspey Thistle.
Manager Rob said “I am delighted Iain has agreed to join to the club. He’s been training with us from the start of pre season and we have been very impressed with him. He’s a player I know well and really looking forward to working with him”.

Jude Fraser has signed for STFC on a 12 month contract.
Jude is a fast winger with great technical ability and we are excitied to bring him onboard. 
Rob said “Jude comes to the club with huge potential. I’ve worked with Jude at Alness United where on his day there are not many better forwards in the North Caledonian league. I feel now is the right time for him to make the step up into the Highland League and test himself. Looking forward to working with Jude again and if he performs at the levels I know he is capable of he will be a huge asset for us”.

Taylor Sutherland  has signed for STFC on a 12 month contract.
Taylor is a versatile player who is able to play in several positions. 
Rod said “Taylor is another player I’ve worked with previously. A good honest defender who can also play in midfield. A player I know and trust, and is more than ready for the step up to the Highland League.”.

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MATCH v ALNESS UTD – WEDNESDAY 12 JULY

A successful night in Alness on a 4G pitch with superb facilities and a lovely summer evening, secretary Clive commented. It was a victorious return for manager Robert MacCormack with a resounding 9-2 victory against his old team. Robert who joined Strathspey Thistle from Alness at the start of the year was delighted at how the Jags are progressing, especially with so many new faces, on our quest for a good showing in the Breedon Highland League.

Goal scorers on the night were Jack Davison (4), Mike McKenzie (2), Iain Ross (2) and Owen Paterson. Well done chaps!

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MATCH v JEANFIELD SWIFTS – SATURDAY 15 JULY –

This Saturday we welcome Jeanfield Swifts to Seafield Park.
The Swifts play their football at the Riverside Stadium in Perth and play in the East of Scotland League Premier Division. New manager, former player, Robbie Holden brings his team and a new challenge for the Jags – a match against a team from a different Scottish league so it has the makings of a tough match and an interesting watch too.

PLEASE NOTE
The game kicks of at 2pm and is a friendly so come along and support the Jags – free entry.

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STFC GOLF DAY

Over forty teams of four enjoyed a very warm and blustery day on Grantown-on-Spey Golf course in our annual fundraising golf day.
It was played as a Texas Scramble and the winning team representing Billy Sellars Builders ( Billy Sellars, Brian Cameron, Bobby Beckwith and Robbie Lawson) came in with a very creditable nett score 51.5. The winning ladies team representing John Ross Funeral Directors ( Debbie Grant, Debbie Kinnaird, Daphne Ritchie and Nicola Torrance) also came in with a very commendable nett 61. 

STRATHSPEY THISTLE FC would like to to thank the following for their support on Saturday for the Golf Day – it is very much appreciated.

Firstly, the main sponsor Bill Torrance at mtec

The companies and individuals who sponsored a hole

• SPEY LEISURE BUILDINGS
• RICHARD FORSYTH, ROTHES
• SCOTT CLARK, GRANTOWN
• DRUIDS GOLF (DUNCAN STEWART)
• PLANT & FIXINGS, INVERNESS
• MKM, AVIEMORE
• COLIN LAWSON BUILDERS (2 HOLES)
• JOHN ROSS FUNERAL DIRECTORS
• TRAVIS PERKINS

We would also like to thank Helen and Nacho and their staff at Fayre-Ways for looking after us with food and liquid refreshment throughout the day – it was fantastic!

And finally, and most importantly, Mark (and Kenny), greenkeepers, and their helpers for presenting the course, as ever, in immaculate condition – we are very lucky to have such a facility on our doorstep – and all at STFC wish Kenny best wishes and a speedy return after his op.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

A new addition to the website is the home and away Jags fixture lists on a pdf which can be downloaded and printed out for youth stick to your fridge door or beside your calendar – check them out here : FIXTURES

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BIRD’S EYE VIEW

We are in the process of getting a new aerial photo of Seafield Park and this is our first effort from the drone team of Michael Shand and Raymond MacWilliam ….we hope to repeat the same shot during a match…on a sunny day….

LOTTERY

As is usual can we promote the fundraising weekly lottery online – all details are here – this weeks jackpot is £1500……go on…have a go!

This weeks’ post again contains an amalgam of what’s been happening over the last month or so but what better way to start with a game of fitba’…..

LAST SATURDAY’S MATCH v NAIRN St NINIANS 

Seafield Park was bathed with summer sunshine as our match against North Super League’s Nairn St Ninians kicked off, however as the game progressed the wind got stronger, seriously hampering play.
Gaffer Robert for our first game of the season fielded a mixed team of signed players and trialists and in the first half we played a lot of good football and The Jags were rewarded when Jude Fraser met a cut back and directed the ball into the net for our first goal of the season – one of many we hope – however in meeting the cut back Jude’s ankle collided with a Nairn defender resulting in a serious injury.

For the second half unfortunately the wind picked up, and Nairn came back into the game equalising midway but we managed to reply quickly through Ross Peters and then winning the game 2-1. Manager Robert MacCormack was delighted with some very good performances and a lot of commitment by the boys – and for a first game back all of us at the game saw some good potential for hopefully a successful season.

Mention must be made of first team coach Robbie Flett’s return for a one off masterclass in goalkeeping as the photo shows…

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CAELAN SIGNS

We have signed Caelan Mutch from Ross County on a two year deal. 
Caelan is a product of Ross County’s youth development and played in our first pre season friendly as a trialist against Nairn Saints. He impressed quite a few of us at STFC, and we can’t wait to see what he can do with a few more games under his belt 
Welcome to Seafield Park, Caelan.

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL v FORRES THISTLE, Logie Park, Forres

Robert and the management team are, as you would expect, at this time of the year talking to a lot of players with a view to them signing for the Jags – no doubt more news on this front next time ……….and Thursday night’s match in Forres against Forres Thistle will again give him player options as there will be signed and trialists on the team sheet again – find out how we do on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram later today or Friday……play well guys!

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HO-HO-HOE – SUMMER FUN
Just because there is no football it doesn’t mean that the committee can put their feet up and forget about the maintenance around the ground as the photo shows them removing as many of the weeds round the pitch they can….

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WE’LL MEET AGAIN

It was a bitter disappointment that the projected seasonal start was to be against a Strathspey & Badenoch Welfare Select was able to happen due mainly to Seafield Park not being ready for football so early on. It is hoped to arrange the fixture sometime at the start of the season proper.

MKM NEW VENTURE
Congratulations to one of our sponsors MKM at Dalfaber Industrial Estate Aviemore on extending their products to kitchen and bathroom design – for more information visit their website or the showroom which will be opening soon….. 

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FUNDRAISER AT GRANTOWN GOLF CLUB – STFC GOLF DAY

Most of the committee and some of the players and management will be involved one way or another at Grantown Golf Club this Saturday (8th July) for out annual find raising Golf Day. Around forty teams are usually involved so I would hope to report more next week…..

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See you y’all next week as I’m off to polish the golf clubs….and don’t forget to go online and try the fundraising Club Lottery – the draw is every Sunday evening and this week’s jackpot is £1400 for five correct numbers – play online here

3^rd  The countdown to the new season started at Charlestown Sports in Inverness when we welcomed 14 players to the first session. Missing were Alan Kerr, Liam Grant and Jack Gilliland still recovering from injuries but hopefully fit for the first pre-season game at home to the Strathspey and Badenoch Welfare select team on June17. Fixtures for the season were also released. Please see link below to the Press and Journal comprehensive list. 

2023/24 Fixtures

Michael MacCallum, our goalkeeper of many seasons has decided to seek a new challenge and everyone at The Strathy Jags wishes him well and thanks him for his commitment throughout his time at Seafield Park.

17^th  The first pre-season game scheduled for June 17 at Seafield Park has been postponed due to the pitch not being ready. Repair work on both goal areas needed more time to knit. The club is hoping to re-arrange the fixture later in the run up to the season start and look forward to welcoming everyone connected with the Strathspey and Badenoch Welfare league.  

July 1st  A 1pm kick off on a windy and rainy day saw us welcome Nairn St. Ninian from the SJFA North Premier Division for our first game of the pre-season. Returning players from last season were Owen Patterson, Joe Cuthbert, Liam Grant, Ross Logan, Jack Davison, James McShane, Jack Gilliland and Robbie Flett. New arrivals who we welcome were Caelan Mutch, Iain Ross, Jack Mackay, Bradi Hulme, Jude Fraser, Scott Stewart and Ross Peters. The weather made it difficult for both teams but in a close game ‘The Strathy Jags’ won 2-1 with goals from Jude Fraser and Ross Peters. Local lads Scott Stewart, Ross Peters, James McShane and Liam Grant were part of a winning team which hasn’t happened for a while. 

Next game is a visit to Forres Thistle on Thursday July 6^th at 19:45.