Strathspey Thistle FC

A hell of a lot can happen when you head off for a weeks holiday so here goes…….

We welcome an assistant manager, two goalkeepers and a defender………

RONNIE SHARP 

Ronnie joins STFC and we are delighted to welcome him to Seafield Park. Ronnie will join Bobby Beckwith in managing The Jags.
Ronnie has a wealth of knowledge as a player, coach and manager in Highland League football, most recently with an established and successful career at Nairn County. 

The experienced coach and former striker comes in with recently appointed first team manager Bobby Beckwith, and they will also work alongside executive duo sporting director, Josh Horton and director of football, Fraser Tulloch.

Josh Horton said: “Bobby and Ronnie — I genuinely don’t think there’s a better combination of managers. As far as a wealth of experience, I don’t think you’ll get anything better”

Bobby said: “I know Ronnie well, and we’ve faced each other a lot. He has massive experience and he did a fantastic job at Nairn. He had been coming down to watch Strathspey at the end of last season, so I thought I’d give him a ring and see if he was interested in coming on board, and he was delighted to come in. I’m not a big one for job titles, but he’ll more than an assistant manager. He’s a great coach, and as a management team we’ll both have our say. For me, it’ll be one of the biggest signings we’ll make this season”

KIT AND ETHAN
We also procured the signatures of two goalkeepers with both Ethan Rae and Kit Fletcher signing on the dotted line. 

This is an area that we needed depth in and fortunately this season we start with two exceptionally capable keepers.

Kit Fletcher played at the Brentford Academy when he was 16, and then moved onto Molesey FC and then Oxford City FC. 
After moving to Scotland he played for Fort William in the Highland League and managed to feature in the HL Team of the Season. 
Kit also played with Maryburgh in the IDFA league where he won the league and cup double and is a player with great pedigree and we are really looking forward to him putting on a Jags shirt.

You may recognise Ethan as he proved himself more than capable between the sticks earning a few Man of the Match awards in the latter part of last season.  
He played at the Ross County youth academy team set up from U10s – U18s. In that time he made well over 200 appearances for the youth teams. He even managed to play for the U18s at the age of 15. 
Last season Ethan signed on loan for Strathspey at 16 years of age.. 
After leaving County multiple clubs had shown interest, however after having enjoyed his time with the Jags during his loan deal and, with all the positive changes he is seeing at the Club, he has chosen to sign permanently for Strathspey Thistle. 

Welcome aboard lads! 

ZACH MACPHEE
Following sharply after we made another summer signing, this time we have added Zach Macphee. 

Zach started his career at youth level with Muir Of Ord Rovers FC before quickly being scouted and signed by Ross County FC.
He played in Dingwall for a number of years, where he managed to get into the first team squad in more than one occasion. 
Last season Zach was on loan to Clachnacuddin.
We are delighted to have secured Zach’s signature and we welcome him to Seafield Park to play under the tutelage of Bobby Beckwith and Ronnie Sharp. 

DON COWIE

Speaking of Ross County, Strathspey Thistle FC send their congratulations to Don Cowie and his team on an emphatic win over Raith Rovers in the Premier Play-off tie, last Sunday. We also congratulate Don himself on securing the managers job at County…..and as Don is married to Shelley, a local Grantown lass, and a former Scottish International Women’s Team footballer herself, all of Grantown had their fingers crossed over the outcome…

We were disappointed with the outcome of Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s tie with Hamilton Academicals in the Championship play off, with ICT finding themselves dropping to the third tier of Scottish Football, and on a personal level, very disappointed with their decision “to move south”.

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SPONSOR
Even when you are on holiday you’re never too far away………

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PITCH MAINTENANCE

A couple of weeks ago Seafield Park had its annual make-over and is beginning to look good already….

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STRATHSPEY THISTLE FUNDRAISING GOLF DAY

The Jags golf day will be on SATURDAY 13 JULY AT GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY GOLF CLUB – details will be announced very soon.

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AND FINALLY, OUR FUNDRAISING LOTTERY

As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of £6100 on our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES

As intimated a couple of weeks ago after the current jackpot, has been won therefore completing that game there will be couple of changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 

The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

LIAM BAXTER SIGNS…….

We have secured the signature of Liam Baxter.

Liam is a very experienced player having won silverware in Scotland and in Australia. He has the sort of pedigree we are looking to add to our squad as we move forward as a club.

Liam started his football at Inverness Caledonian Thistle at youth level. He went on to play in the Highland League with Brora and Buckie Thistle having won personal awards and silverware along the way. He has just completed 7 years in Australia having scored 68 goals in 105 appearances.

We are delighted that Liam has chosen to sign with us. We welcome him to Seafield Park!

Club Captain James McShane has extended his stay signing a further 2 year deal.
Everyone at the Club are absolutely delighted with this, and needless to say we are ecstatic to have him onboard and see him lead the team currently going through a total rebuild. 

James has had over the years, many Highland League clubs after his signature, and it’s no surprise as to why. Being a local man, he has stayed loyal to the club and has led our team impeccably. 

El Capitano, it’s great to keep you!

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STRATHSPEY AND BADENOCH WELFARE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION’S DALVEY CUP

STFC send their congratulations to Aviemore Thistle who captured the first silverware of the season, the Dalvey Cup at Cromdale beating Grantown United on penalties. The score after ninety minutes was 2-2.

Just back from a couple of days away to to see the boys have been at it again by capturing the signature of Caley Thistle’s Lewis Mackie. Lewis is the Jags seventh signing over the past ten days or so, and we at JagsWeb are really looking forward to next season already……only ten weeks and four days to go……. 

The management team said “We are delighted to have secured the signature of Lewis Mackie following his time at Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC. Lewis is a fantastic young talent. His age and quality means that he is the exact profile of player we are looking to add to the ranks and develop here at Seafield Park. Lewis was a well sought after player and to have him decide to come to Strathspey is very pleasing for the club. As soon as we knew Lewis was available we pulled out all the stops to sign him”

Lewis’s playing history to date:

Lewis started his career at Clach at a very young age before moving to CaleyThistle in 2019, where he went from under 14s through to the 18s and making two first team appearances, his first being in the challenge cup just 2 weeks after turning 16!
Then secondly in the Inverness Cup Final against Clach where they came out 4-1 winners with Lewis scoring the 4th goal.

Welcome to Seafield Park Lewis….. 

I thought it was going to be a quiet close season but no……

Not as much signing activity this week but we are delighted that Ewan has decided to return for next season and Steven has joined us.

We would like to announce the signing of centre half Ewan Neil from Rothes Football Club. Ewan is a great ball playing centre half and managing to secure him on a permanent deal was one of our priorities over the summer. He will be another great addition to the managers already growing squad.
Ewan has previously played for Clachnacuddin, Rothes, Loch Ness FC and was in loan to his from Rothes last season.

Welcome back Ewan!

Today we can officially announce the signing of Steven Macdonald on a permanent deal. This is a signing that shows intent from the club to go out and really manage to get the players we want and to get the deal over the line.
Steven is a fantastic player who can play at CB or CM, he is composed and very calm on the ball. He has played at youth level for Ross County but he eventually decided to play shinty over football.
Later down the line Steven played for Grantown FC, Spey Valley Utility and Loch Ness FC. He has won silverware with them all and was an exceptionally important player in those squads.
New manager Bobby Beckwith and his team in the football department are delighted to have Steven onboard.
WELCOME STEVEN TO SEAFIELD PARK!

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PITCHSIDE ADVERTISING

Please contact our secretary Clive for more details if you wish advertise pitch side…..
click here

LOTTERY

The jackpot this week is £5800 on our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
As intimated after the current jackpot has been won, therefore completing that game, there will be couple of changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

New signings 4 May 2024

Ending a busy few days for Bobby and the boys, two more players have put pen to paper.

LIAM SHEWAN

Firstly, we have signed Liam Shewan on a permanent deal from Rothes Football Club.
Liam was part of a swap deal which has seen Ross Logan go the other way. We would like to thank Ross for his services as a player. We would also like to thank Rothes for making this possible and a smooth process.
Liam’s former clubs include Grantown FC, Clachnacuddin, Nairn County, Rothes and for a small part of last season a short loan deal with the Jags. 
He has now made his move to Seafield Park permanent after a very impressing during his loan spell.   
Welcome (back() to the club Liam! 

JAMIE CALDER

Also signing up is Jamie Calder from Loch Ness FC for the upcoming season!
This is another exciting addition to our squad. 
Jamie is a young centre half with great composure and has had Highland League experience at Clachnacuddin before his move to Loch Ness FC. 
It’s great to have you on board Jamie and we look forward to welcoming you to Seafield Park.

New signings – 3 May 2024

Today we are happy to announce more arrivals to the playing squad at Seafield Park. 
This time it’s a double signing in the shape of Conor MacPhee and Jordan Laidlaw that new manager Bobby Backwith has added to his pool of players. 

Conor MacPhee was signed from Loch Ness FC. 
The former Loch Ness captain had won the North Caledonian League with them, and has also won several trophies and a league title in junior football with Nairn St Ninians JFC. He has also played for Clach, Fort William and Inverness City. 

Jordan Laidlaw has also won the North Caledonian League and other trophies whilst he was with Invergordon FC.  
Jordan has also played for Loch Ness FC and most recently, Avoch AFC . 

Welcome to STFC lads! 

HERE WE GO, HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS……SEASON 2024-2025

And you thought we were gonna be quiet……

NEW MANAGER APPOINTED – 1 MAY 2024 

Strathspey Thistle are delighted to be able to confirm the return of Bobby Beckwith – better known as Bobby Becks – as the club’s new manager. 
Bobby was one of the key players in the formation of Strathspey Thistle and as well as the main striker, he was also the club’s first ever lottery convenor.
He later went on to be the coach of the Strathspey Thistle Boys Club which won the Highland Youth League in a play-off against a strong Peterhead side.
Bobby was then manager at the Moray Junior side Lossiemouth United before going on to be assistant manager at Elgin City when they gained entry into the Scottish League.
He also had a similar role with Turriff United, before going on to was manage Clachacuddin Ladies, and then Lossiemouth in the Highland League and recently he stepped up from assistant manager to interim Manager at Rothes.

So it has been a long journey to come back “home”  and everyone at the club is really excited with what he can bring to the club. The one thing we can be sure of, no one will be more excited and passionate about making Strathspey Thistle a success both on and off the pitch.
We hope Bobby will help usher in a new era for STFC. 

Welcome home Bobby! 

THE THREE AMIGOS
We are also excited to announce two new additions to STFC who are going to be working behind the scenes in helping Bobby, our new manager . 

First is our newly appointed Director Of Football Fraser Tulloch (left). 
Fraser is a former Jags captain and a man who brought junior trophies to both Grantown FC and Spey Valley United. 
Secondly we have Josh Horton (right) who is taking up the mantle of Sporting Director. Josh is a former manager of Grantown FC in the welfare league and was chairman at a very successful Grantown FC in the Juniors. 
We’re delighted to welcome both and are exited to see what the future holds with our new structure. The future is bright! The future is jaggy…….

JOSH RACE SIGNS
We are absolutely delighted to announce the signing of Josh Race from Loch Ness FC. 

Josh has had a very busy few years in football and is returning to us having started in our youth ranks. He is a creative midfielder with an eye for goal and was also a North Caledonian League winner with Loch Ness. He is a very talented player who has incredible work rate. 
Josh’s C.V. includes Strathspey Youth, Ross County youth for 3 seasons, Strathspey Thistle for 1 season, Spey Valley FC 1 season and Loch Ness for the past 3 seasons. 
It’s come full circle and we are elated that he has decided to come back to his local club. 

Welcome back Josh!

LOTTERY
And of course we can’t not mention our fundraising lottery giving you the chance of winning the jackpot of £5700 – click here if you want to play…

LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
As previously intimated after the current jackpot has been won, therefore completing that game, there will be couple of changes.
There will still be a weekly prize of £100 for a consolation winner if their entry matches four of the five numbers drawn, however instead of a weekly increase in the jackpot of £100, this will now be increased monthly. 
The game is to forecast 5 winning numbers, which are drawn at random, from 1-20. The 5 numbers chosen are to be marked by a cross (X).

1. The Jackpot prize starts at £1,000 and the game continues until it is won and starts afresh. As applicable, the Jackpot increases by £100 immediately after the first draw in each calendar month, up to a maximum of £5,000. The Jackpot is then capped at £5,000 until it is won in a weekly draw. 
2. If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players. 
3. Should no entry forecast all 5 winning numbers, then any player matching 4 numbers will be entered into a draw for a single Consolation Prize of £100. 
4. THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
5. The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
6. All winners will be notified.

SEASON 2023/2024

It was another disappointing season on the pitch for the Jags culminating in a very torrid final week with two games home and away against the clubs who finished top and third in the league, who were very intent on topping up their goal difference, which both teams managed to do. 
Our caretaker manager for the final six weeks of the season Michael Rae decided not to renew his contract for family reasons
We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.
This, as well as some players moving on, then opens the door to a brand new dawn more of which will fully reported when all the pleces of the jigsaw fall into place, but initial reports look very promising.

BUCKIE THISTLE WIN LEAGUE

All at Strathspey Thistle would like to send our congratulations to the other Jags, Buckie Thistle in their achievement of winning this season’s Breedon Highland League – especially after their finishing sequence of thirteen league games and one cup game over forty-five days. Congratulations also go to Brechin City and Fraserburgh for finishing second and third respectively. 

Brechin finished on the same points so the title was decided on goal difference and Jagsweb was very disappointed with some of the comments made by the Brechin chairman in an national newspaper interview.
We were then taken aback in what sounds like a very complicated episode, with the revelations of Buckie’s failure to achieve SFA Bronze status. They needed this to move up to the Scottish League if they were successful in overcoming both East Kilbride of the Lowland League and then Club 42 of the Scottish League.

FOOTBALL WEEKEND MAGAZINE

We recently welcomed Alan Price, who writes for Football Weekend magazine, to our home match against Fraserburgh.
Alan arrived very early and after touring the ground went off to sample the views and delights of the surrounding area, returning for the match and some after-match hospitality.
Football Weekend is a monthly glossy magazine for fans who want to visit various areas of the world and combining it with attending various football matches and stadia – the magazine is available at all good newsagents eg WH Smith and on subscription.

We’ll give more details regarding the magazine when Alan’s article is printed sometime over the summer.

We as a club have been very fortunate over the past couple of seasons to feature in BBC Scotland’s fans TV football show “A View From The Terrace” and widely watched Footy Adventures “The Pointless Club” ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmtQZ_cjb0A ) as well as FromThe Terraces ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly4ha7g8430 ).

STRATHSPEY AND BADENOCH HERALD 

We’d also like to thank Gavin, Tom and Frances from our local newspaper for all the help and coverage they have given the Jags over the past season.

OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

And finally, we would like to thank all the businesses both near and far and our supporters for all the help, especially financially throughout the year….THANK YOU ALL.

Here’s to season 2024-2025……

3^rd: Heavy rain caused a lunchtime call-off for the planned trip to Buckie Thistle

6^th: Game on at Turriff United despite heavy rain overnight. An unpredictable wind caused problems for the Jags in the first-half and they trailed 4-0 at the break. Owen Loveland pulled a goal back soon after the break and for a short period it looked as though a comeback could be on before three more strikes from the hosts put a slightly unfair gloss on the final scoreline.

13^th: The first of four games in a week, all against title contenders at a time of the season when the Jags squad was stretched to the limit, saw Fraserburgh run out 5-1 winners at Seafield Park. Young goalkeeper Ethan Rae again impressed while Jack Davison took advantage of a defensive error to score a neat consolation goal. Keep an eye out for a feature on a trip to Seafield Park for this game which is due to appear in Football Weekends magazine over the summer. We’ll highlight when on the club website and social media pages.

15^th: No rest for the Jags as they travelled to face Buckie Thistle at Victoria Park. Another battling display, despite a 6-1 defeat, with Owen Loveland scoring the visitor’s goal.

17^th: And, just 48 hours later it was Buckie Thistle again the opponents, this time for the final home league game of the season at Seafield Park. While the game was in progress, news of scores elsewhere in the Midlands League meant that the Jags place in next season’s Highland League was secure. With Buckie needing goals to overtake Brechin City at the top of the table, Strathspey fought hard but couldn’t prevent a 7-0 defeat.

After the game we said thank you to Betty and Davie Love for all of their hard work over the years both in keeping Seafield Park clean and the pitch looked after.

20^th: A fourth game in eight days proved too much for the Jags as Fraserburgh scored 11 times without reply in their attempts to overtake Buckie and Brechin City at the top of the table. Our usual warm welcome off the pitch wasn’t replicated on it by a ruthless home side although results elsewhere meant the Broch finished the season in third place.

25^th: Buckie’s efforts were seemingly in vain after a shock statement released by the Scottish FA confirming that their play-off against Lowland League champs East Kilbride had been postponed due to our fellow Jags’ not meeting the criteria for promotion to the SPFL.

Thank you – to Mike Rae for guiding the team through to the end of the season, in difficult circumstances, and to Robbie Flett and Charlie Brown for their help.

Keep an eye on our website and social media pages on Facebook and X for more news on the Jags over the close season.

STRATHSPEY THISTLE F.C; APPEARANCE RECORDS 2023/24                                        Records kept by Club Secretary – Clive Wolstenholme

Players Name              (Goal scored in brackets)	League	NOS Cup	Scot Cup	League Cup	TOTAL
James Kendall (GK)	1 S2				01 /02
Jack Gilliland	17/ S11		1S	1S	17/13
Caelan Mutch	21/ S11	1S	1S	1 1S	22//14
James McShane	24 /S3	1	1	2	28/S03
Taylor Sutherland	21 / S9				21/09
Jack Davison (10)	33/ S1	1	1	2	37/01
Jack MacKay (1)	30/ S3	1	1	2	34/S03
Michael McKenzie (8)	24 S1	1	1	2	28/01
Ross Logan (3)	30/ S2	S1		2	32/03
Iain Ross (2)	14/ S13	S1		2	16/14
Owen Loveland (7)	20/S10	1	1	S2	22/12
William Urquhart	S 3			S	00/04
Joe Cuthbert	7 S14	1	S1	S1	08/16
Alan Kerr	28 / S5	1	1	2	32/05
Seamus McConachy	S10	1		S2	01/12
Ben Bremner (GK)	S1				00/01
Callum Ligertwood (GK)	3 S4		S1	1	04/05
Owen Paterson (2)	31	1	1	2	35
Robbie Flett (GK)	01/S5				01/05
Steve Martin (GK)	9 / S2		1	1	11 / 02
Cairn Gills	1 S3		1S		01/04
Liam Grant	6 / S9	1	1	1	09/09
Ruaridhri Nicol (GK)	5 S2	1			06/02
Daniel Whitehorn (1)	10/S6	S1	1	1	12/07
James McLaren	S1				00/01
Kane Davies (1)	10 S8		1		11/08
Jordan Shaw	S2				00/02
Liam Shewan (2)	7				07
Gullermo Perez Lopez	S2				00/02
Eathan Rae (GK)	14 / S3				14/03
Ewan Neil	13				13
Zef Ubych	S1				00/01
John McLeod	01/S2				01/02
Chris Graham	S1				00/01
Scott MacDonald	S3				00/03
Juna Manuel Cardona	S1				00/01
Lerlah Hay	S3				00/03
Kit Fletcher (GK)	01/S1				01/01
Ross Peters	S3				00/03
Charlie Rae	S2				00/02