Strathspey Thistle FC

6^th  A Thursday friendly  game at Logie Park, Forres against Forres Thistle. It was a cloudy, damp evening for our second pre-season game on a pitch that was rock hard. The squad on duty for ‘The Strathy Jags’ was James Kendall (GK), Owen Patterson, Caelan Mutch, Cairn Giles,  Liam Grant, Iain Ross, Jack Mackay, Ross Logan, James McShane, Michael McKenzie, Seamus McGonaghy, and substitutes Charlie Fonweban, Scott Stewart and Jack Gilliland. 

In a competitive game we came out on top 4-2 with goals from McGonaghy, McShane and a brace from Ross Logan. Referee was Alan Proctor.

8^th  The Club’s biggest fund raiser of the year was the annual ‘Golf Day’ held at Grantown Golf Club. The weather was sunny and warm throughout the tournament which welcomed 42 teams. 

Thanks to the Golf Club for use of the course and to everyone who took part in what was a very good day. Many thanks to our sponsor MTECH for supporting the day.

12^th  Our first visit up the A9 to play Alness United from the North Caledonian league at their newly built 4G pitch which is part of the Alness Academy. We were lucky with the weather as it turned out a fine and warm evening. 

The squad on duty was James Kendal (GK), Owen Patterson, Caelan Mutch, William Urqhart, Taylor Sutherland, Jack Mackay, Iain Ross, Ross Logan, Jack Davison, Michael McKenzie, James McShane and substitutes Joe Cuthbert, Jack Gilliland and Seamus McGonaghy.’ The Strathy Jags’ finished comfortable winner’s by 9-2 (Ht 6-0) with goals from Jack Davison 4, Iain Ross 2, Michael McKenzie 2 and Owen Patterson. An enjoyable visit to a very fine community asset. Referee was David Alexander.

15^th  Game number 4 of our pre-season campaign and this time we welcomed to Seafield Park from the East of Scotland league Jeanfield Swifts. The squad on duty was Benn Bremner (GK), Owen Patterson, Caelan Mutch,  Taylor Sutherland, Jack Mackay, Ross Logan, Jack Davison, Michael McKenzie, James McShane, William Urquhart, James McLaren and substitutes Xavio Vastano (GK), Iain Ross, Joe Cuthbert, Cairn Giles, Seamus McGonaghy and Jack Gilliland. 

The weather forecast for the game was pretty awful but somehow we avoided the thunderstorms and rain but you could certainly hear the former. In an end to end contest the Swifts won the day 4-3 in what was for both sides a very good workout. For ‘The Strathy Jags’ James McLaren bagged a pair with James McShane the other. You will notice we welcomed two triallist Goalkeepers, Benn Bremner and Xavio Vastano. Benn played the opening half and Xavio the second 45 minutes. Referee was Gordon Seago.

19^th  A visit to Seafield Park from Inverness Caledonian Thistle under 18 team. The squad on duty was James Kendall (GK) Owen Patterson, Caelan Mutch, Taylor Sutherland, Jack Mackay, Iain Ross, Ross Logan, Jack Davison, Cairn Giles, Seamus McGonaghy, Jack Gilliland with substitutes Liam Grant and Joe Cuthbert. A pleasant Summer evening gave us another very competitive game which was played in a decent spirit and well refereed by David Alexander. ICT took the lead on 28 minutes and it wasn’t until minutes 88 and 90 that the Jags secured victory thanks to Owen Patterson and Ross Logan goals.

22^nd  Last pre-season game was a visit to play New Elgin JFC. A sunny and warm afternoon awaited the squad which was as follows. Benn Bremner (GK), Owen Patterson, Caelan Mutch, Taylor Sutherland, Jack Mackay, Iain Ross, Ross Logan, Jack Davison, Joe Cuthbert, William Urquhart, James Maclaren with substitutes Seamus McGonaghy, Jack Gilliland and a welcome return to the squad for Alan Kerr. The opening twenty minutes were overshadowed by a superb display from the Red Arrows who were visiting nearby RAF Lossiemouth. Against a backdrop of blue skies it was superb. The game resulted in a 5-1 win for ‘The Strathy Jags’ with goals from Iain Ross 2, Ross Logan, Jack Mackay and Taylor Sutherland. The countdown now starts for our opening Breedon Highland League fixture at Mosset Park, Forres on Saturday July 29^th.

29^th  A warm and sunny afternoon in Forres ended in disappointment. After a good first half which saw the team take the lead on three minutes through Iain Ross and create other scoring chances it was the old failing of a defensive mistake that let the’ Can-Cans’ back into the game through their new signing Dylan Lawrence. Going in all square at half-time was pleasing especially the way the team had played. It is always a game of two halves and this one was no different. As Team Manager Robert MacCormack said after the game “We didn’t come out in the second half” which was very disappointing. We have a week to prepare for our first long journey of the season to North Lodge Park, Pitmedden to take on Formartine United FC. 

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.

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.

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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

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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….

10^th Seamus McGonaghy who has been with us since January on loan has signed a contract with the Strathy Jags for next season. He joins us from Nairn County.

Manager Rob MacCormack commented: “He is a very technically gifted player with a fantastic attitude.”

13^th    The League 2 play-off game finished all square between The Spartans and Albion Rovers in the first leg at Ainslie Park, Edinburgh. Albion took the lead through a Luke Graham header in the first half he but a 66^th minute own goal by James Leslie gave The Spartans a way back into the tie. The second leg is on Saturday May 20 at Cliftonhill Stadium in Coatbridge with the winner taking their place in SPFL League 2 next season.

20^thSpartans will play in Scotland’s League 2 next season after winning the Pyramid play-off to end Albion Rovers 104 year place in the Scottish senior leagues. An early penalty to Spartans converted by Blair Henderson turned out to be enough to earn the Lowland League champions a coveted place in the Scottish Professional Football League for the first time. The Twitter account for Albion Rovers stated it was ‘one of the darkest days in our  history but we will back stronger.’

22^nd Highland League clubs voted to introduce five substitutions in matches from next season.

26^th Club chairman Donly McLeod was recognised as an unsung hero at the Highland League’s annual awards dinner in Inverness. 

28^thSeason 2023/2024 starts on Saturday June 3 with the first training session in Inverness. Joining up with the group will be new signing Jack Mackay after a deal was agreed for the midfielder, a key player for North Caledonian League side Invergordon FC last season.

Alan Kerr, meanwhile, has agreed a new contract. Manager Rob MacCormack is delighted to keep hold of someone he describes as ‘a very important player on and off the park for us with his experience.’

Talks are ongoing with other players and there will be more signings in the next two weeks. All the players are available for sponsorship – please contact the club for more details. 

Remember to keep an eye on The Strathy Jags social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and new Instagram account plus the club website.

Grantown Golf Club, Saturday 8July 2023

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 to book your team and for any further information you may require. 

                    

Saturday 1^st: A goal seven minutes into stoppage time denied the Jags a home win against Clachnacuddin, the visitors finally taking advantage of playing against ten men after Connor Austin’s controversial red card.

The two sides had traded first-half goals before the Jags took an early second-half lead through Ross Logan’s header.

Manager Robert MacCormack told the Press & Journal that the sending-off had changed the game but added; “to take a draw from a very good side is encouraging.”

Saturday 8^th: Another Saturday and more stoppage time pain for the Jags after a resolute display, including a penalty-save from Man of the Match James Kendall (photo shows him receiving a bottle of Cairngorm Gin from, another of our sponsors, Alan Carson of MKM Building Supplies), had kept league leaders Buckie Thistle at bay for 90 minutes.

The Jags were left distraught by two goals that kept the visitors on course for the title but could take heart from another good performance.

Wednesday 12^thOur last home fixture of the season and another competitive performance by the team but we went down to defeat when Keith scored on 71 minutes. It meant that The Jags have gone the whole season without a home victory. We thank everyone who have supported the club at matches, by playing the lottery or via other means. We have started planning for next season and we will keep everyone updated on any developments.

Saturday 15^thToday off to Aberdeen to play Banks O Dee at Spain Park in our first visit for a Highland League game. Over ten years ago we had played there in cup competitions. The pitch is 4G and the ground is very compact. Their hospitality was sold out with 80 covers. We were three players down due to injury and call offs and the numbers were not helped when we lost keeper James Kendall due to an injury sustained in the warm up. Ironically at about the same time Banks O Dee lost their keeper with an injury during the warm up.

We started the game with one substitute and to complete our day we went down 9-1. Michael MacKenzie was our goalscorer on 41 minutes to bring the game back to 3-1 but with the final kick of the first half we conceded again. A poor team performance and a long bus ride home.

Friday 21^stThe club announced that 21-year-old defender Liam Grant had signed a contract extension for next season. He is a local lad and has played in the Strathspey and Badenoch Welfare league for Grantown United, Spey Valley United and Boat of Garten Ospreys.

Saturday 22^nd Last game of the season and another bus trip this time to last season’s Champions Fraserburgh. The Broch came from behind and ran out winners 3-1 which I think flattered them. The Jags took the lead on 36 minutes with a superb strike from 20 yards by Michael MacKenzie and went in at half time one ahead. Fraserburgh hit back with goals from Sean Butcher and Josh Bolton and on 89 minutes the clincher with a header from Bryan Hay. An encouraging performance from The Jags.  It was a good bus ride back to Grantown and Inverness. Manager Robert MacCormack thought the players worked their socks off and it is now a question of preparing for season 2023/2024.

Congratulations to Brechin City who became Breedon Highland League Champions with a win at Victoria Park, Buckie in a last day winner takes all shootout. Congratulations to both teams for providing such an enthralling race from the start of the season. 

Brechin now play Lowland League Champions Spartans home and away with the winner then playing the bottom side in SPFL League Two over two legs.

Saturday 29^th  The first leg of the playoff was at Ainslie Park, Edinburgh and in a scrappy encounter The Spartans came out on top thanks to a Blair Henderson 90^th minute goal which sets up the second leg nicely.

Saturday May 6^th  Biggest attendance at Glebe Park of 1900 saw an enthralling game go to penalties with The Spartans coming out on top 4-3 on penalties and going forward to play Albion Rovers over two legs. Brechin’s goals came from Macleod on 45, Inglis 61 and Biabi on 65 with replies from Whyte 15 and Henderson 55 for The Spartans. Albion Rovers by finishing bottom of Scottish League 2 will now play home and away with The Spartans over the next two Saturday’s. Albion Rovers play at the Cliftonhill stadium in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

We’re back with an occasional review of what is happening Club wise.

CONTRACT EXTENSIONS

During the last couple of weeks the Club are now delighted to confirm that defender Liam Grant, defender/midfielder Joe Cuthbert and keeper James Kendall, have all extended their stay at the Jags till summer 2024.

Liam who joined last summer from the S&B Welfare League had fitted in to his defensive role and had also claimed a bottle of our home match sponsors Cairngorm Gin before a groin injury hampered his progress. Everyone at the Club is delighted that he is back to fitness and will be joining the rest of the team when pre-season training starts at the beginning of June and manager Robert MacCormack is very much looking forward to working with him.

A well ‘kent name on the Jags team sheet over the past few seasons is Joe Cuthbert and again we are delighted that he agreed to extend his contract until next summer.
Manager Robert said “ I’m delighted the Joe has signed up for another year at the Club. His committment since we came in has been excellent and gives his all in every game.”

James Kendall who joined the club late on in the season, has extended his contract for a further 12 months.
“James has been a fantastic addition and has performed exceptionally well in his short time with us so far” said manager Robert, “he is one of the best keepers in the league so we are delighted that he has agreed to stay on at the Club for another year. It is another positive step in our preparations for the new season”.

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A VIEW FROM THE TERRACE – HOPE IN THE GLEN

BBC SCOTLAND’s A VIEW FROM THE TERRACE featuring the Jags aired on Friday 21 April and can be viewed on the BBC iPlayer now.

The segment of the programme entitled “Hope in the Glen” featured a celebration of being involved with Strathspey Thistle and the surrounding area which has been very well received by all who saw it. Featured talking heads were chairman Donly McLeod, club captain James McShane along with The Jags first keeper Dean Lawson.

On a personal note I thought the BBC team covering the recording were, as well as being very professional, real good guys  and they hopefully too enjoyed their day in Strathspey.

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A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – THE JAGS LEGENDARY FUNDRAISING GOLF DAY

Saturday 8 July is our annual fund raising Golf Day at Grantown-on-Spey and full details should be available very soon – so keep checking our Facebook and Twitter pages….and now, also in full technocolour, our Instagram page being authored by Nick in Barcelona…..technology eh!…..TRY A VISIT here to the Instagram page …….not Barca we can’t afford that unfortunately!!

There is also talk of perhaps another pre-season match against a Strathspey & Badenoch Welfare Select at Seafield Park with perhaps a wee bit of hoopla too….again watch out on our social media outlets…..the inaugural one last year was a great success.

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AND NOT FORGETTING 

 – and as ever, we would be very grateful for any help in the coming season to help with the running of the Jags whether it’s helping the guys manning the gate and selling half-time raffle tickets at our home games, or, being our new kit man or woman – please get in touch  – every little bit of help helps!

LOTTERY

We also have now updated our Facebook entry page for the fund raising Club lottery and have added a QR code for easier access for newcomers.

This week’s jackpot is £4,400 and if you wish to help the Club you can by playing here