AWAY GAME v CLACHNACUDDIN FC
BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE
GRANT STREET PARK, INVERNESS IV2 5GL
WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST – KO 8pm
THE CHAIRMAN AND THE CEO
So, the phone rings at chairman Donly “Digger” McLeod’s home last Saturday morning – on the phone is Jags’ CEO Grant Mackellar…who says to Donly that he would pick him up from his house at 12.30 as there was something he wanted to see him about……
12.30 and as documented Grant picks Donly up and they drive the short distance to Seafield Park.
Grant leads Donly past the impressive new hospitality suite, that will be officially opened at the end of the month’s Scottish Cup game here in Grantown against Sauchie Juniors, and onto the hallowed turf – “What do you see Digger?” asks Grant.
Donly looks about and notices the brand new uniformly presented pitchside advertising – comprising one side the paid for advertisement and on the other the Jag’s logo – but that was not what Grant wanted him to see and as they neared the stand Grant said ‘ In appreciation of the the last thirty years of dedicating most of your life to Strathspey Thistle Football club, we wanted to recocognise that so this is what we have done”……….Donly for once in his life was speechless…….Brilliant!
This Wednesday we travel to the big city….Inverness …..and our meeting with Clachnacuddin under the Grant Street floodlights for our first Breedon Highland League meeting of the clubs this season.
Although we’ve played each other twice this season both have been cup games, and, unfortunately we have not managed a win yet….but third time lucky.
As most folk know we have been seriously hampered with injuries so far this season, which has resulted in some players having to play positions they would not normally need to. But, on a positive note, it was good seeing Liam Shewan returning from injury and back on the pitch last Saturday and playing the full ninety minutes.
As ever we wish Ryan and the boys all the best on their travels this week, firstly in Inverness and then Nairn on Saturday.
PAUL SIGNS UP
Strathspey Thistle are delighted to announce the permanent signing of striker Paul Brindle.
Paul is no stranger to the Highland League, bringing a wealth of experience from his time with Brora Rangers, Clach, and Forres.
Head Coach Ryan Esson is thrilled to have him on board, stating, “Paul is a proven talent in this league. His experience and ability in front of goal will be a huge asset to the team.”
Welcome to Strathspey Thistle, Paul!
AS DOES FILIP
We’re also delighted to announce that Filip Franczak has joined us on loan from Forfar Athletic Football Club (Official) until January.
Filip is a versatile 18-year-old capable of playing in both defence and midfield. He brings valuable experience from his time at St Johnstone, where he was a key player for the U18 team and St Johnstone’s B team in the Challenge Cup.
Filip made his debut in Saturday’s game, featuring at right back for the second half.
Head coach, Ryan Esson, shared his thoughts: “We’re also thrilled to bring Filip to the club. His versatility and energy will be a great asset to the squad. We’re looking forward to his contributions as we work towards our goals this season.”
SATURDAY’S MATCH v CLACHNACUDDIN
It seems to happen very regularly but again we were two down before the fifteen minute mark which makes it really difficult to get back in the game.
Clach scored through former Jags favourite Jack Davison after five minutes and then eight minutes later by Conor Bunce.
He doubled his goal tally in fifty nine minutes making the score three-nil to Clach which was how the game finished with the visitors progressing to the first round proper of the R.Davidson Highland League Cup and a tie against Buckie Thistle.
As our spies, and the majority of the spectators in attendance – which was again a a fine turnout – commented that there was very little between the teams in general play but defensive mistakes cost the Jags dearly.
New signings Paul Brindle and Forfar loanee Filip Franzak both impressed, and the home support and JagsWeb are looking forward to when we have a fully fit squad all available for selection.
SEAFIELD PARK
Pictured this morning, to illustrate the ongoing upgrading of all things Seafield Park we think the uniformity of the backside of the pitchside advertising boards looks fantastic.
NEXT GAME
We coninue on the road, this time to Station Park in Nairn on Saturday KO 3pm. We’ll preview later on in the week.