Strathspey Thistle FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Mike Rae as Assistant Manager.
Mike, originally from Inverness was with Rangers for four years and more recently was the assistant boss at Nairn County.
He joins up with new boss Robert MacCormack in an exciting development for the club – and they will be using our final six games to develop the squad they want to take forward for next year, beginning with a strong pre-season in June.
As Jags fans we would like to welcome Mike to the Club and wish him every success and we look forward to meeting and seeing him and Robert in the home dug out for their first home fixture next Wednesday night (29 March) in a re-arranged match against Huntly, which is then followed by a further three home games.
Firstly…….we play Wick Academy FC in Wick tomorrow night.
AWAY MATCH v TURRIFF UNITED FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE THE HAUGHS, QUEEN’S ROAD, TURRIFF, AB534DY SATURDAY 18 MARCH 2023 – KO 3pm
This Saturday sees us heading east to Turriff and to The Haughs.
Turriff United sit in eleventh position in the Breedon Highland League, their best season for a few years although faltering a wee bit over the last half-dozen or so games, with the exception of a good win against Fraserburgh, so again we will be fighting hard for points – hopefully leaving Turriff with a result….unlike the Government and the saga “o’ the Turra Coo”.
TEAM NEWS
Manager Robert MacCormack informed us this week that, as they have missed the last two league matches due to bad weather, the team played a friendly on Tuesday night against Nairn County Reserves. We won 5-1with Jordan Shaw, a returning loanee, and Jake Lockett scoring one goal and Jack Davison getting a hat-trick. Robert said overall it was well worth taking the game, getting much needed match time after our enforced break. With regards the squad for the Turriff game, captain James McShane returns from work duties and new signing Michael McKenzie is set to make his debut.
But as discussed at length at the last committee meeting everyone of us at Strathspey Thistle will, if we want to survive and have a more competitive team over the next few months and years, have to show as much commitment as we possibly can.
KITMAN (TEMPORARY)
Chairman Donly McLeod takes a break for a smile between the home and away kits….
Speaking of commitment this week’s behind the scenes look at what goes on day-to-day at a Highland Football League club in March……Chairman Donly McLeod’s Tuesday morning was sorting out the players kit after laundering before the trips to Turriff and next Wednesday’s visit to Wick……..the committee would love to hear from any person who would be willing to help us out with the kit.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
As stated above we have to visit Turriff this Saturday followed by a trip up the A9 to Wick next Wednesday night and there then follows four home matches in a row – two on Wednesday evenings under the floodlights and two at the more traditional time of three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon.
Wednesday 29 March v Huntly FC
Saturday 1 April v Inverness Clachnacuddin FC
Saturday 8 April v Buckie Thistle FC
Wednesday 12 April v Keith FC
And these games Jags fans, are the last home games of season 2022/2023.
We finish it off with with a visit to Banks O’ Dee on 15 April and Fraserburgh on the 22nd.
LOTTERY FUNDRAISING
This week the Jackpot is £3700 – click here and have a chance of winning – and supporting the Club – Thanks!
MATCH OFF v KEITH FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HY SATURDAY 11 MARCH 2023
MATCH OFF
Just as many parts of Scotland are under snow and ice, and with night temperatures falling to over minus12 degrees, it will come as no real surprise to learn that tomorrow’s match with Keith FC has been postponed.
This will mean having to play, sometimes, two games a week and at the moment we only know the confirmed March dates. They are both away games – Turriff on Saturday18 and Wick Academy on Wednesday 22 – so we await notification from the League as to when they will manage to re-arrange the fixtures – which obviously means times that are suitable for both clubs, as for example, Saturday 25 March is the second matchday we miss – there being nineteen clubs in the league. So our social media will strive to keep y’all informed.
It is a pity that the Keith game fell foul of the weather as there was a sizeable media interest.
Captain James McShane modelling our home and away kits a couple of years ago ….
KIT
One of the upshots of having games postponed is there is no rush to the laundry delivering and collecting the team strips – although that changes later on in the season when there are two games a week !!
………and speaking of kit, the Club are looking for someone who would like to help us out as KITMAN or KITWOMAN….. until recently a committee member had been organising this but as he has since left, we would like some help with this so if you would be willing to give us a hand that would be brilliant….please contact any committee member or email : Mr Secretary Clive on strathspeythistlefc@highlandleague.com
FUNDRAISING LOTTERY
Just because the boys are not able to play on the park this weekend, you are very welcome to play the Club fundraising lottery game. This week’s jackpot is £3600 – play here and thanks – good luck!
As a photograph this is scenically beautiful – but it’s bad news for the Jags and Huntly fans planning on coming to the game tonight – as you can see there is a substantial snow covering and with temperatures expecting to remain below freezing for most of the day and plummeting to -12 degrees or similar again tonight the game has been postponed.
HOME MATCH v HUNTLY FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HY WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH 2023 – KO 8PM
Robert MacCormack takes his place in the dug out on Wednesday in his first home game as manager.
We host Huntly FC and their fine supporters at Seafield Park, in a re-arranged fixture from 18 Feb when our pitch was covered in snow – and according to weather forecasts the game on Wednesday could be in jeopardy of starting too, as there is a few centimetres of snow lying and temperatures of -12 expected tonight (Tuesday). Huntly, currently sit in eighth position on thirty-four points – three of them from a recent home win against title contenders Buckie Thistle – but generally their away form has not been as good as their home form, so hopefully, if we can put in the effort and guile that we did a couple of weeks ago against Nairn and Brora, it should be a good game and we can perhaps add some pointage to our league tally.
If any of the Huntly supporters haven’t been to Grantown click here for more information.
THIS WEEKS PLAYER NEWS Captain James McShane returns after work commitments. as does Mikey Grimes who has recovered from an eye injury. New signing Michael McKenzie could make his debut. We welcome Michael to Strathspey Thistle and we hope there’s many a goal to come and we wish him all the best! Hopefully we will be able to organise official photos of the new arrivals very soon. Seamus McConoghy is still 50/50 as he is carrying a knock so he may not make it – Jordan Shaw and keeper Michael McCallum have been loaned out until the end of the season, Liam McDade is unavailable due to work commitments and Rory Williamson has been recalled by his parent club Nairn County.
Hopefully see you all at Seafield Park on Wednesday night but I’m afraid it doesn’t look very promising and not wanting to be so but still being the prophet of doom the weather may affect Saturday’s home match against Keith FC too. The joys of a …..Scottish Spring?
That’s right folks we have the weekend off from the Breedon Highland League.
Last week’s visit to on-form Brora Rangers, who sit in fourth position in the league, was a vast improvement on the previous Wednesday’s result at Rothes. Playing a new formation of a back five the boys looked very organised and although we were beaten by a goal in each half, the first coming in the 44th minute, new manager Robert MacCormack was delighted with the effort and commitment put in by his team and, although beaten, there was lots of positives to take from the game. There is a report of the game and a good article about Robert in this week’s Strathspey & Badenoch Herald.
But having no game this Saturday doesn’t mean the players are not near a football, as Robert is using the day for a get together in preperation for next week’s two games at Seafield Park – we play Huntly FC on Wednesday night – KO 8pm and followed by Keith on Saturday KO 3pm.
However, we should be on weather-watch as prospects for the middle to end of next week is heavy snow and minus temperatures, especially at night, so fingers crossed for a more improved forecast nearer the time……..
ROBERT MACCORMACK
As we have no game preview this weekend we thought it would be an ideal opportunity to find out a little more about the new gaffer.
Born in Inverness, he attended South Lodge Primary in Invergordon – and then Invergordon Academy. It was during his schooldays, that he remembered vividly playing seven-a-side for Invergordon Junior FC. He graduated to Invergordon FC where he won the North Caledonian Division One and the North Caledonian Cup as a player, and then turning to management with Alness United, winning the North Caledonian League Division Two title which gained entry to the First Division. This year he accepted the offer of management here at Strathspey Thistle. The biggest influences in his football career, in addition to his parents, were Edwin Skinner and Wattie Stewart and the player he admired most was Steven Gerrard. Away from the Highland League he supports Liverpool and Aberdeen. So far, the best moments in his career has been representing Ross County youth teams and winning the division league at Alness United.
Robert has talent and ambition in abundance as well as great enthusiasm and everyone at The Jags is eager to see both Robert’s and our progress over the next few years so we wish him well on this journey.
Spot the ball…….
BADENOCH ROOFING There has been much debate between Strathspey Thistle and Grantown Golf Club over the construction of a safety net preventing footballs from damaging the slates on the clubhouse roof and there are talks ongoing for future net construction providing the necessary funds can be sourced. So, as interim the Golf Club have asked that we check the roof at various times throughout the football season and maintain where necessary.
This month we are indebted to the nice people at Badenoch Roofing who took time out of their busy schedule to help Strathspey Thistle fix some loose slates – we thank Andrew Borthwick for their generosity in completing this.
LOCAL TABLE-TOP SUNDAY MARKET
Massive thanks are also due to our intrepid lottery fundraising convener Graeme Stuart who set up a stall in the Royal British Legion branch in Grantown for most of last Sunday selling lottery tickets, a selection of club merchandise consisting of club hats and scarves, collectible programmes and football books normally sold at the ground on match days. The photo shows STFC committee member Tom Clarke visiting the stall and supporting the club also with a few purchases.
EASY-PLAY ONLINE LOTTO FUNDRAISER
As ever, the last word is encouraging you to play our fund-raising lotto game. This week’s jackpot is £3500 so join the Strathy Jags family in raising vital funds for the club through Online Lotto hosted by Clubforce. You can choose 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 52 weeks (2 weeks free) and add extra lines. Tick auto-renewal to avoid the hassle of reminders. Click here to play.
Thank you – your help in fundraising is much appreciated.
1stThe club gives a warm welcome to our new assistant manager Robert MacCormack. He joins us after being first team manager at Invergordon FC, team manager at Black Rock Rovers FC and finally first team manager with Alness United FC of the North Caledonian League. He has various qualifications including the Scottish Football Association badges for 1.1 and 1.2 courses.
4thIn one of the best performances of the season the team came very close to beating high flying Nairn County. After a goalless first 45 minutes, the Jags took the lead through a 20-yard shot from Daniel Whitehorn on 54 minutes and it was no more than they deserved. County came back fighting and on 87 minutes got the equaliser they had fought so hard for. In the second half referee Kevin Buchanan issued nine yellow cards in what was a feisty encounter. Although disappointed about not getting the season’s second win, upon reflection it was a very good result. A real confidence boost for everyone associated with the club
11thOff to Aberdeenshire to take on Inverurie Locos at Harlaw Park. The best day of 2023 for weather with sunshine and warmth. Last September we drew 2-2 with Locos at Seafield Park in a pulsating game, conceding a goal in the 85th minute. It was the first time we had taken a point from Inverurie during our time in the Highland League. Today started ok but goals on 10 and 16 minutes set the team back and a further goal on 33 minutes left us with lots to do. The second half was more even and we created a couple of half chances but in the end conceded a fourth on the hour and it was game over. Prepare now for the visit of Huntly on February 18th
15thThe club are very pleased to announce that their new Manager is 32 year old Robert MacCormack who was first team manager of North Caledonian League side Alness United.
Strathspey Thistle manager Robert MacCormack
He spent two and a half years with the club which includes winning the Ness Cup in 2021. Robert now has to start planning for a possible relegation two-leg game and also for next season and which league we will be playing in. The club wishes to place on record their thanks to Brian Ritchie and Craig Ireland who have run the team while the search for a new manager was carried out. Robbie Flett, our goal keeping coach will join with Robert. Brian and Craig remain with the club and hope to bring through more local players to play for the Jags in the future.
17thIn an interview with The Press and Journal new boss Robert MacCormack is optimistic about the future with Strathspey. He has always wanted to test himself at the highest level possible and is delighted by being given the opportunity with The Jags.
18th Woke up to the sight of overnight heavy snow in the Strathspey area. Carried out two pitch inspections at 0800 and 0900 as Huntly needed to know by 0930 as their bus would be starting from Aberdeen. It was very disappointing for the club to have to call the game off but 3 to 4 inches of snow is difficult to clear. Financially the club took a hit because we had hospitality booked for the game and we are unlikely to have it for when the game is rescheduled.
19thLeague secretary John Campbell informs us that the Huntly game will now be played on Wednesday March 8th with kick off at 8pm.
22ndRobert MacCormack makes his first signing by bringing 28 year old midfielder Michael Grimes to Seafield Park. He joins us from Alness United of the North Caledonian League. Tonight is Robert’s first game at MacKessack Park, Rothes. Again we conceded an early goal after 5 minutes but the team matched their hosts for the next 25 minutes with Ross Logan very close after a mazy run but again Rothes took charge and by half-time we were four down. The second period was a big disappointment for all Strathspey followers with the final score 9-0 to the home side. Not the start that Robert wanted and it doesn’t get any easier as on Saturday it’s up the A9 to Brora.
23rdA second signing confirmed today with 26 year old Jake Lockett, a forward, joining us from St.Duthus of the North Caledonian League. He has plenty of experience in that league and is hoping to make his debut on Satuday at Dudgeon Park Brora.
25thAfter the disappointing performance at Rothes it was with some foreboding we set off for Brora, a top six team and Champions two seasons ago. We need not have worried. A fine defensive performance limited the home side to few chances and as the first half came to a close we were hopeful of keeping the reds goalless but it was not to be. With literally the last play of the opening 45 minutes a goal was conceded to a free header from a corner.
The second half followed the pattern of the first as defensively we were organised and competitive but showed little attacking flair and eventually the pressure allowed the home team to score a second. The performance of the team was a 100% improvement on Wednesday night at Rothes and let us hope we can follow up the much better team show when we face in our next two games, Huntly and Keith at Seafield Park on Wednesday 8 and Saturday 11 March respectively. Clive Wolstenholme 28.022023
AWAY MATCH v BRORA RANGERS FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE DUDGEON PARK, BRORA KW9 6QP SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2023 – KO 3pm
We’re on the road again this Saturday, and we make our way up the A9 to Brora and a 3pm kick off at Dudgeon Park against the high flying Brora Rangers. The Cattachs sit in a very respectable fifth place in the Breedon Highland League so again we will be expecting an exceptionally difficult game, especially with the still painful memories of a resounding defeat at Seafield Park back in October and following on from a heavy defeat in Rothes on Wednesday night. According to my spies at Rothes we competed very well until half-time ….if you don’t count the mistakes which caused the goals – and goals iz the name of the game – but after half time we were never at the races!! Unfortunately, this seems to have been quite a common occurrence this year.
Hopefully on Saturday in Brora, the Jags will give a much improved performance both halves.
New team manager Robert MacCormack recently stated that being such a young team we do lack the experience of Highland League, and, perhaps, our fitness levels are lesser than the other teams we are playing – our second half performances rarely match our first half ones. These are both avenues Robert is endeavouring to change before the end of the season with preparations for a strong pre-season in hand, and some new faces around Seafield Park next season.
NEW SIGNINGS
Robert began the rebuilding this week by signing two players in time for the Rothes game. Michael Grimes and Jake Lockett joined us. Michael, 28, a midfielder, joins from Alness United and Jake, 26, a forward, from St Duthus and both are experienced in the North Caledonian League – we welcome them to the Club and wish them all the best and a barrowload of goals…..
LOTTERY
Bit of a truncated post this week but as ever we finish with a request that if you want to help the Club’s finances bu playing our fundraiser weekly Lottery game. This weeks jackpot is £3400 – to play click here – Thank you.
NO GAME NEXT WEEK
The Jags have no scheduled game next week as there are cup games and re-scheduled league matches taking place Saturday 4 March but we have a bumper extravaganza coming up the following week with two home games in a row – a Wednesday 8 March floodlit match against Huntly and a Saturday showdown – 11 March – against Keith.
AWAY MATCH v ROTHES FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE MACKESSACK PARK, ROTHES, AB38 7RU WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2023 – KO 8pm
We’re off down the A95 to a floodlit meeting with our fellow Speysiders in a Breedon Highland League match which was originally meant to have been played on December 27. Similar to last Saturday, the weather intervened and the game was postponed. Rothes currently sit in seventh place in the league and come off a good result against Forres last weekend.
Most of the Jags squad are all fine for selection and the Rothes game, normally, is a hard fought and entertaining one with the usual jovial banter from both sets of supporters.
This will be our new manager Robert MacCormack’s first game in full charge – it should have been last Saturday’s home match against Huntly. The home fans will now have to wait till Wednesday March 8 to see the Jags in action at home again, with the rescheduled Huntly match (8pm KO). This is followed on the Saturday(11th) by another home match, this time against Keith FC – usual KO 3pm – two dates for the diary, both games look very interesting……
There will be more about Robert in the Brora preview on Friday….
PHYSIOTHERAPIST REQUIRED
The Club are wondering if there are any qualified physios or persons undergoing physio training who would be able to join the club – we very much appreciate that perhaps the commitment of every Saturday between July and April is very daunting, but at a recent STFC committee meeting it was discussed that perhaps it could be carried out as a “job-share” – i.e. if a few interested parties offered themselves then perhaps a rota system could be put in place. So, if you, or someone you know would be interested in having a chat about joining us please contact our Secretary Clive on wolstc@aol.com – Thank you in advance.
ROB’S TALK
We seem to have a proliferation of Roberts now at the club…….this time it’s the turn of Club historian Rob Clark, and his talk last Friday, on the history of football in Grantown from the 1870’s till the 1940’s.
Rob Clark during his talk on the History of Grantown Football
One of the gems from his talk was that in the late 1880’s – early 1890’s the first football club formed in Grantown was……Strathspey Thistle! No records of them feature after that until the current Jags were formed on the 18 April1993… although there have been numerous other differently monikered Grantown teams over the years – it was all really fascinating stuff…and his book on the subject will be published August / September this year….
