Strathspey Thistle FC

From Vice-Chairman Ian S. Anderson :

Good morning Jags fans.
We are delighted to announce another new club sponsor ahead of our upcoming season. We have partnered up with local business MKM Building Supplies – Aviemore. Many thanks must go to Steven McRitchie and Alan Carson for allowing this to happen. Steven and Alan had this to say on the new partnership.

“MKM are proud and delighted to be in partnership with Strathspey Thistle FC for season 2022/2023 and hopefully many seasons ahead”
” It was great to hear that Strathspey Thistle FC are looking to developing their own local talent to build solid foundations for the future and that very much lined up with MKM’s policy of what we intend to do in the local area within our customer base also””
We wish Strathspey Thistle FC every success for the season ahead.”

Everyone at the club can’t thank the new and existing sponsors enough because without them it would not be possible to function. If any potential new sponsors would like to get involved please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Once again we thank Alan and Steven at MKM for their support. It is very much appreciated and hope this is a relationship that can grow and be in place for many years to come.

Keep a lookout for some more exciting news to come over the next few days !!.

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INAUGURAL FIXTURE BETWEEN THE JAGS AND A STRATHSPEY & BADENOCH WELFARE SELECT – Seafield Park 7 JULY 2022

With the Jags deservedly winning the game 5 -1 everyone seemed to enjoy the evening and there was great support for both teams – although the loudest cheer came in the dying minutes when the Welfare select finally scored – as they had had a few chances throughout the game.

There were so many good things happening last night that the future looks very bright for football in our community.
We would like to thank everyone who made this possible and for everyone who came along – we’ll hopefully see you soon at a Highland League game to cheer on The Jags.

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The focus now moves about 100 meters away from Seafield Park to Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club and our annual Golf Day fundraiser – in advance The Club would like to thank everyone involved in the running of the golf day – it is a major source of income to the club and is very important to it. We wish all participants in the 18-hole Texas Scramble all the best and have an enjoyable day.

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And….as is the traditional finish please if you want to try your luck at our Club Lottery please play here.…this weeks jackpot is £4,200.00. Good luck!

We are delighted to announce our latest new club sponsor, The Cairngorm Gin Company. We are very excited about this new partnership and we thank local businessman Jack Smith for allowing this to happen. It means a lot to the club to have the support and backing of successful local businesses.

Jack has a long history with the club and had this to say on the new partnership.
“I’m delighted to announce Cairngorm Gin as a new sponsor of Strathspey Thistle Football Club, it’s great to be in a position to give something back to the club as a former player in the youth squad. Here’s to the season that lies ahead!”

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Tonight we are delighted to host a Strathspey & Badenoch Welfare FA Select in a preseason friendly. Hopefully the first of what would be a great annual fixture.

This is set to be a great evening for all involved and also the community.
We look forward to hopefully seeing a good crowd to support the two local teams and make it any enjoyable night.

19.30 KO
Venue- Seafield Park
Entry – Donations Bucket

We are delighted to announce the permanent signing of James McShane on a new 2 year deal as well as James receiving his Testimonial year this coming season. This is a major achievement for the local loon. The club feels this is only but right as he has given everything to the club and more.

Manager Charlie Brown had this to say on the club securing James’s signature.
“Delighted that James has agreed to commit to us for another 2 years. James has been a vital part of our team for many years now, a captain and a leader on the park and in the dressing room, a managers dream to have players like him on the park and around the club. James has many admirers around the league and that just shows how his ability stands out during games. 
Off the park he is a perfect professional who works tirelessly on his fitness, and is a well known face in the community”

Stay tuned for some more news to come over the next few weeks regarding James’s Testimonial Year

Following on from our winning start, in our pre-season friendlies, with a 2-0 win against Nairn County under20s – a goal each from Joe Cuthbert and new signing Ben Cullen

– it is with great pleasure we introduce this Thursday’s game at Seafield Park KO 7.30pm – perhaps it could be an annual fixture.

From Ritchie Sons Facebook page

Strathspey Thistle In The Community…… wee exciting announcement (well, I think it is)
Pre-season friendly match, Strathspey Thistle v Strathspey & Badenoch Welfare Association Select, Thursday 7th July, Seafield Park, Grantown, 7:30pm kick off….. please try and come along and support both teams as we bring the local football clubs together to celebrate football in the community.

Young players from Strathspey Rovers and Aviemore Active Schools football teams will join in the fun by taking part in a half time penalty competition….

Hope to see you there on the night…

Should be good fun….Admission fee will be a donation at the gate.

June 3^rd    Assistant Manager Steve Rattray has left the club to take the Manager’s position at Dufftown FC who play in the first division of the North region McBookies.com league. We wish him well in his new post. Vice Chairman Ian S Anderson and Team Manager Charlie Brown had a successful meeting tonight and we will have a Sports Therapist in place to start the season. This will cover first-aid and physio requirements on matchdays.

June 6^th   Brian Ritchie has returned to the club as Head of Football Development and will work with Team Manager Charlie Brown and Vice Chairman Ian S Anderson.

June 8^th   Mark Holmes has joined the club as assistant manager. Mark, aged 46, is from Inverness and played in the Highland League for Clachnacuddin, Nairn, Forres Mechanics and Buckie Thistle. He has also played in the Scottish league for Inverness Caley Thistle, Ross County and Falkirk and for two seasons in Brisbane, Australia. He currently runs the Mark Holmes International Football Academy coaching kids aged 3 to 19. Welcome Mark.

June 9^th   Our goalkeeper Michael MacCallum has signed a contract extension with The Jags until June 30, 2023.

June 11^th We welcome striker Ben Cullen who has joined us from Dufftown FC. Ben is 31 and last season in the North Region of the McBookie.com First Division he scored 35 goals from 29 appearances.

June 15^thThe article 99 Arbitration Tribunal involving Fort William FC and The Highland Football League will take place on Monday June 20, 2022. After the hearing we should have a clearer idea when the 2022/2023 fixtures will be published.

June 20^th The 99 Arbitration Tribunal announced that they would meet again on Wednesday June 22 at 18.00.

June 23^rdFort William’s appeal against Highland League relegation thrown out. Fixtures for the new season have now been published and The Jags open the season at home to Forres Mechanics on Saturday July 23 and are on the road to Formartine on Saturday July 30.

June 26^thA boost for the new season was the news that our Captain, James McShane, had signed a contract extension until June 30, 2024. James who is 27 signed his first professional contract with The Jags on February 8, 2013. This upcoming season will be his Testimonial year. May it be a good one.

June 28^thThe draw for the first round of the North of Scotland Cup has been made and the Jags have been drawn at home to Golspie Sutherland from the North Caledonian League. The tie is to be played on Wednesday July 27 with the kick off at 20:00. The winners will travel to Brora Rangers on Wednesday August 17.

Brian Ritchie returns to The Jags as Head of Football Development….

Well, I did say that there was going to be more very interesting news of great significance to the development of Strathspey Thistle – and the appointment of Brian Ritchie as the Club’s first Head of Football Development is great news for the club.

Brian said on his new role :
“I am delighted and very grateful to be given the opportunity to assist Strathspey Thistle in their quest to bring the club into the local community and beyond… I hope to bring the experiences I gained from my previous spell with the club and from a very enjoyable and rewarding 3 years looking after Clachnacuddin U20’s squad to the fore and, in turn, see the benefit of this bringing Strathspey Thistle forward”
“The work has already started in linking with local welfare football clubs and discussions are underway on how we can all bring as much positivity and integration to Seafield Park as possible.
Here’s to a happy future.”.  

Obviously we at JagsWeb wish Brian all the very best and all at the club are very much looking forward to the future and to see what it holds….

We are also delighted to announce the permanent signing of Ben Cullen.

“ Ben is a former Elgin City and Dufftown striker” said manager Charlie Brown” who is a major threat to opponents in and around the 18 yard box, and who knows where the back of the net is! We are excited to see Ben at Seafield Park and hopefully Ben will kick on and get himself a nice return of goals.”

We would like to thank Dufftown FC for allowing this deal to happen.

Michael “Monk” MacCallum commits for another year

Manager Charlie had this to say on retaining Monk.
“Delighted to get Michael to extend his stay with us for another year, Michael’s experience and quality as a keeper with be vital to us throughout the season” 

Michael’s last season was a stop-start affair due an unfortunate injury but now injury free, he is hoping to kick off where he left off last season – and that was in great form.

And there is more to come……..should be back next week with more exciting news.

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What most clubs in Scotland will be doing at this time of year is maintenance around the ground – lots of painting and generally making sure everything is reasonably up to scratch for the start of the new season…so, if anybody has a couple of hours or a spare morning, especially if the sun shines, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – there can’t be a better way to spend some time…helping your favourite football club and topping up your tan…see you at Seafield Park…

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The Club Lottery jackpot this week stands at £3,900.00 – if you want to play – play here and again THANKS for your support.

Well, seemingly once a year as the photo shows Ken, from RW Welch & Son of Monifieth, is back on his tractor at Seafield Park in the middle of May for ground maintanance. 

Helping him this year and sowing the grass seed was Welch’s main man in Inverness, Neil Rennie.

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9 June 2022 TEAM NEWS
We’re back for the first of a mid-summer catch up on the goings on at Strathspey Thistle and there are a lot of exciting things in the pipeline so please keep checking back – but now – time to introduce and welcome some new faces :

Joining the Jags are :
Now on a permanent deal, Jack Wardop.
Our Gaffer Charlie had this to say about Jack.“ Jack joins us determined to take his development on to the next level and aim to put pressure on the current squad for a starting spot in the team for the new season ahead.

On a seasons loan from Elgin City goalkeeper, Oliver Kelly
Charlie, and the rest of us at Strathspey Thistle, welcome Oliver and had this to say on his new addition.“ Oliver is young exciting goal keeper who has a great future ahead of him. We thank Elgin City for allowing this to happen.” 

From Burghead Thistle, James Fraser 
We are delighted to announce the permanent signing of James Felaini Fraser.
Charlie said that in welcoming James to the Club “He is a versatile player who can play defence or midfield. A tough aggressive player who can also create openings for others.
We would like to thank Burghead Thistle FC for allowing this deal to happen.

More exciting announcements both on and off the park will follow in the next couple of weeks or so …..?????….????…stay tuned……

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STRATHSPEY THISTLE GOLF DAY – 9 JULY 2022

Date for your Diary – Saturday 9 July – Strathspey Thistle Golf Day
This is our main fund raising day of the year and this we are delighted to be returning to Grantown-on-Spey Golf club, next door to the Seafield Park ground.
There are a few entries for a four-person team still available to compete in an 18 hole Scramble and all information can be obtained by contacting club chairman Donly McLeod on  07709 990 286. Entry fee for the team is £130.00.

And of course it would not be the same if we did not end on an invitation to play the other very important financial resource for the club which continues fifty two weeks of the year and we must mention Graeme Stuart and Mags Clark in their dedication in keeping the Lottery going – this week the winning jackpot is up to £3,800.00 – play here

Again thank you for all your support in what the Club does, and just think, only 44 more sleeps till the Breedon Highland League starts again on the 21 July………..
we’ll be back soon!

 1^st    Inverness Sports Centre is where the players will start pre-season training on June 14. The Breedon Scottish Highland League (SHFL) will commence on July 23.

7^th    In the first leg of the Scottish League 2 play-off final Bonnyrigg Rose took a big step in their promotion bid with a resounding win over the SPFL’s bottom club, Cowdenbeath. First half goals from Brown and Martyniuk, followed up on 74 minutes with a further goal from Brett have given The Blue Brazil a mountain to climb in the return leg on May 14. Banks O’ Dee defeated Bridge of Don Thistle to add the McLeman Cup to their honours board in their final season in junior football before joining the SHFL. The Spain Park side are going to be a very powerful addition to the league.

10^th    We are pleased to announce that goalkeeper Oliver Kelly has joined us on a season-long loan from Elgin City.

14^th    Cowdenbeath lost at Central Park to Bonnyrigg Rose, 1-0, which means they will be playing in the Lowland League next season. They will join former SPFL teams Berwick Rangers, East Stirling and Gretna together with the B teams from Celtic and Rangers. The attendance was 2,117.

28^th   21 year old defender James Fraser has joined us on a two year contract. James started with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, in their youth set up, before playing for Inverness Clachnacuddin and then Burghead Thistle.

30^th    Due to Fort William taking their case over their relegation to the SFA, an independent tribunal will look at the issue as soon as possible which means that the fixtures for 2022/2023 are at present on hold. 

Saturday 2  After league leaders Fraserburgh’s visit last Wednesday today was a trip to Buckie to face second place Thistle who are chasing The Broch all the way. It was a comfortable win for the home side, their 23^rd league win in a row, which is a remarkable achievement. Sam Urquhart was the standout player in the 5-0 win with a hatrick. The jags have to dust themselves down and prepare for the visit of Forres Mechanics on Wednesday night.

Wednesday 6  On a night when various storms were expected but luckily missed out Grantown the Jags ensured their safety in the Breedon Highland League by beating near neighbours Forres Mechanics by 3-1. It was one of the best performances of the season and  goals from Lawrence, McShane and Duncan made it a good evening for everyone at the club. The result meant that Fort William will finish bottom and will take part in the two leg play off against Banks o Dee from Aberdeen. Dates TBC.

Saturday 9  On a bumpy pitch and difficult winds we visited Lossiemouth for our final away game and came away with a 1-1 draw. Lossie shaded the first half and went ahead through a Liam McDade own goal but in the second half got more into the game and after after Andrew Skinner was fouled in the box Jake Thomson converted the penalty to give the Jags a point. We now prepare for the last two home games of the season.

Sunday 10   Dates were announced for the relegation play off between Fort William and Banks o Dee who were winners of the Superleague. Fort William will travel to Aberdeen on Saturday April 23 and entertain Banks o Dee at Craggan Park on April 30. This will be Fort’s first home game of the season after all the problems they have had with their pitch. We wish them well.

Wednesday 13  It was Fort Williams’ home game tonight at Seafield Park and in an exciting encounter they ran out winners by 4-2 which gave them their first league victory of the season. Goals for the Strathy Jags came from Craig MacKenzie and Ross Logan. The first goal for Fort came from Ethan Cairns who was with us on loan from Caley Thistle in the first part of the season.

Saturday 16  In our last game of the season The Jags came very close to registering their first ever point against Inverurie but went down to a 30^th minute goal from Lloyd Robertson. As in most games since January the team performed well and today created several good chances but still remained goal less. We welcomed 8 years old Joseph Sinclair who was today’s mascot for Strathspey. For the Locos they said fairwell to Club captain Neil McLean and defender Ryan Broadhurst after 18 and 14 seasons respectively at Harlaw Park. 

Congratulations to Fraserburgh who clinched the Breedon Highland League title for the first time in 20 years and the fourth time in their history. They have led from the start of the season but have been chased to the wire by Buckie Thistle. The Broch will now play Bonnyrigg Rose from the Lowland league home and away for the right to play team 42 from the SFL Division 2, Cowdenbeath, for a place in league 2.

Friday 22  During the afternoon the Highland league secretary announced that Fort William had withdrawn from their relegation play off games with Banks o Dee as they did not have enough signed players for both games. Players had to be signed by January 31 2022 to be permitted to play. A disappointment for everyone concerned but it now means Fort William will play in the North Caledonian League next season and Banks o Dee will join The Scottish Highland Football League.

Saturday 23  Champions Fraserburgh travelled to New Dundas Park and were defeated by Lowland League Champions Bonnyrigg Rose 3-1. The Broch pulled the game back to 2-1 with a goal from Paul Young from close range but on 82 minutes conceded a third goal, leaving themselves a mountain to climb at Bellslea next Saturday. The winners will then play team 42, Cowdenbeath, in the play off for a place in the Scottish Football League 2.

Saturday 30  Fraserburgh manager Mark Cowie made four changes from the first leg. In the first half both sides created chances before a large crowd but half time arrived with the score 0-0. With The Broch playing down the slope again both teams again spurning chances until the 68^th minute when Kieran Simpson gave Fraserburgh hope with a shot from close range. The home side dominated the last fifteen mintes but to no avail and Bonnyrigg Rose were through by the odd goal in five. The Rose will now play The Blue Brazil, Cowdenbeath at New Dundas Park, Midlothian on Saturday May 7 and visit Central Park, Cowdenbeath on Saturday May14 to decide who will play next season in Scottish League 2.

It has been a long and nervous season for The Jags and our thanks go out to all the volunteers, sponsors, supporters, team management and players for all of their support. With the arrival of Banks o Dee to the league it will now make the competition even stronger. 2022/2023 season commences on July 23.

Home Match v Inverurie Loco Works FC, Seafield Park, Grantown
Breedon Highland League, Saturday 16 April – KO 3pm

Game number thirty four, and our last game of the season. We welcome Richard Hastings and his Inverurie Loco Works team to Grantown, in what is their last game too, and at the moment they sit in a very safe and creditable seventh place in the league – so again it will be a very tough game and it would great if we manage three points and a flourish to finish the season with.. We imagine that there will be a few more Loco’s fans than normal, as long time servants Ryan Broadhurst and captain Neil McLean are hanging their boots up after the game – we wish them both all the best.

After all the huffing and puffing in the Breedon Highland League throughout season 2021/2022 the dust will settle and we will be able to see on Saturday who wins the title – the odds are highly biased towards Fraserburgh, but mathematically it is still possible for Buckie Thistle to lift the trophy – either way we at Strathspey Thistle congratulate them both for an epic contest!
Wednesday nights game in Grantown against Fort William resulted in a first win of the season for them.  After twenty minutes or so, the Jags could have been two or three ahead, Fort started putting their game together and probably deserved their win 4 -2 over the piece.

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After this weekend we’ll probably have a wee rest in producing the weekly web page – although, we’ll still be able to look forward to, and enjoy, our secretary Clive’s monthly newletters. We should be back webbing in early July ready for season 2022/2023. 

Over the summer keep informed of what’s happening JagsWise on our Twitter and Facebook pages 

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Take care JagsFans and enjoy your summer.

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And as ever lets not forget the Club Lottery as this week the jackpot is £3000 – that would go fantastically well on a nice long summer holiday, when the football’s not on perhaps…. to play – play here