January’s newsletter is dedicated to Ali Smith, long-serving committee member and a friend to so many at the club, who sadly passed away earlier this month and whose funeral was held on Thursday 30th.
Ali Smith
Many a Jags’ fan arriving at Seafield Park, and countless supporters of many of the Highland League teams who visited Strathspey Thistle, were met with warmth and a smile from Ali, especially in his latter duties in the 50/50 half time raffle booth.
He will be greatly missed by us all.
Friday 3rd: Saturday’s trip to Formartine United was an early casualty of the weather, all of the scheduled Highland League games eventually following suit, but there was good news on the signings front as the Jags made Filip Franczak’s loan deal permanent and extended goalkeeper Euan Storrier’s loan until the end of the season. Manager Ryan Esson told the Press & Journal: “I knew what type of player Filip was and I knew he could do a job for us. “He’s done really well and the club has done very well to sign him permanently. It allows us to build for the future.”
Saturday 11th: A snow-covered Seafield Park pitch looked lovely but meant the postponement of the home game against Buckie Thistle. Off the pitch, both Stephen Rennie and Scot Docherty extended their Jags’ contracts until the end of the season. Stephen and Scot have played vital roles in our campaign so far, and we’re delighted to have them stay with the squad as we push for a strong finish.
Saturday 18th: Eventually we got to play our first game of 2025 and an important one too against a Lossiemouth side also involved in the battle at the bottom of the league. Unfortunately the Jags found themselves a goal down in the 10th minute and a tight contest was settled by a second home strike early in the second-half. Although we upped our game in trying to get back level in the last thirty minutes ,twice hitting the woodwork and Stuart Knight, the Lossie keeper, pulling off a great save diving low to his right stopping a defender’s deflection it was not to be and we left Grant Park pointless.
Saturday 25th: Another postponement as the home game against Brechin City fell foul of the weather, a shame on all fronts as bookings for the hospitality suite were full and a coach load of away fans supporting the league leaders were expected.
Hospitality in the Mackellar Suite – Book Your Spot Now! We are now taking bookings for matchday hospitality in the Mackellar Suite on the following dates:
Sat 8th Feb vs Clach (SOLD OUT)
Sat 22nd Feb vs Nairn County
Sat 1st Mar vs Keith
Sat 22nd Mar vs Rothes
Sat 12th Apr vs Turriff (last home game of the season)
£50 per person, includes: Complimentary Pre-match Drinks; 2 course lunch; Match entry; Half Time Refreshments; Post-match pay bar Also, don’t forget that our bar in the Mackellar Suite is open pre-match, half-time, and post-match for refreshments. Cash and card payments are accepted, so come along, grab a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Strathspey Thistle Club Lottery – Jackpot Now £9,500!
We’d love to see a jackpot winner this new year, and with our jackpot currently sitting at an impressive £9,500, now’s the perfect time to get your entry in!
AWAY MATCH v KEITH FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE KYNOCH PARK, KEITH, AB55 5EB SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm
WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF A PITCH INSPECTION AT KEITH ON SATURDAY MORNING – PLEASE CHECK OUR SOCIAL MEDIA SITES IF YOU ARE PLANNING GOING TO THE GAME FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
As someone who has had a shottie or three on a drum kit, the first thoughts I have on seeing the name Keith is the drumming monster that was Mr Keith Moon….this Saturday, I hope will offer us the opportunity to snare the three points at Kynoch Park!
It will be our first meeting with Keith this season as both our attempts to play at Seafield Park have been thwarted by either some form of weather or cup ties….. Keith sit in fourteenth place in the Breedon Highland League with twenty-one points from twenty-one games and have not had a great 2025 so far, with four losses out of the four games played. Last week they faced Lossiemouth and lost by two goals to nil, a similar scoreline from our last game a couple of weeks ago, and Jags’ gaffer Ryan Esson took the opportunity to attend the match as our game had been postponed and he was quoted in the press as saying Keith were veru inlucky to lose as they were the better side. So Saturday’s game looks as though it could be a cracker and with the Jags having to put some points on the board we wish. as ever, Ryan and the boys all the best and hope they can leave Keith with at least a point.
LAST SATURDAY’S GAME v BRECHIN CITY
Although Storm Eowyn created havoc throughout Britain and Ireland last Friday it was Jack Frost who really put paid to our league encounter with Brechin City. After a tough week’s weather Seafield Park had minus temperatures most nights and latterly in the week, coupled with heavy rain during the day which all resulted in a referee’s inspection early Saturday and an unplayable pitch.
ALI SMITH
Most committee and Jag’s supporters who were able to, attended Ali Smith’s funeral on Thursday 30 January at a packed Old Abernethy Kirk in Ali’s home village of Nethy Bridge. There was a very large number of people present – which is only what would have been expected as Ali was one of life’s good guys and he will be sorely missed by all at Strathspey Thistle Football Club and beyond.
Ali Smith
Davie Millar, Ali’s cousin spoke of his and his family and friends memories of Ali and began with the following –
“You would think I would know most things about Ali : I know that he was one of the finest people I’ve known. I know that I’ve never heard anyone to say a bad word about him. I know that he would do anything for anyone. I know that he always saw the best in people. I know that he was loved and well liked by everyone who knew him. I know that his family, his dear Marje, his boys, their partners and his grandchildren meant the world to him. I know that I and many others admired him. I know he was a good man. I know that no one ever saw him be annoyed. I know his memory and legacy will live on for a long, long time
Ali also reminded me of one particular football game when he was in goal for his local welfare team, Nethy Bridge. He couldn’t speak for laughing when it happened and had another laugh relating it again. Ali attempting to kick the ball up the pitch.The ball struck his brother Davey Smith, playing centre half, on the back of his head. Of course the ball rebounded and ended up in the back of the net. Safe to say Davey did not react in a similar way.”
Strathspey Thistle Club Historian Rob Clark wanted to write a few words in honour of his good friend for the website.
In March 2001 Strathspey Thistle returned to France for the second time to play against the team of Grantown-On-Spey’s Twin Town Notre Dame de Monts. Now the first time the team flew, but this time they decided to go by coach & ferry. The Two Coach drivers were both committee members; Johnny Ross & Ali. The route map showed the journey would take approx 22 hours and keep in mind this was before the days of smart phones and GPS etc…So the bus was on route approaching the French capital City of Paris. We went around looking for the exit to the Vandee…… and we went around again…. and again…and again until one of the players Cameron Munro called out “Hey that’s the fourth time we have passed that Cafe!” It was a six hour detour going around the Paris ring road before eventually arriving at Notre Dame de Monts near 10pm!
Ali and the late Johnny Ross photographed at The Jag’s first home Highland League match in August 2009
With a welcoming group party waiting all that time for us to arrive and wondered why we were so late! Johnny blamed Ali … Ali blamed Johnny!
The following week we had a league game away to Lossiemouth and back in the day when cassette tapes were the entertainment on the coach, the tape was put in the first tune was Bonnie Tyler…Lost in France!!!
If you didn’t know Ali, his likeness to former Dunfermline Athletic Manager Jim Leishman was uncanny! It caused much laughter over the years, especially on Strathspey Thistle away journeys to play in the Scottish Junior Cup or Scottish Cup and the fun was that even his own son, Jag’s centre half Gareth would call him “Big Jim”. I remember especially a trip away to Irvine Victoria in the OVD Scottish Junior Cup when, at the time, Jim Leishman was the Manager of Highland League side Inverness Thistle, we kept the deception going all day and especially with the Irvine Vic’s Committee who we convinced that he was Jim Leishman and he was joining Strathspey Thistle!!
Being hospital bound and more recently in Lynemore, the local care home, Ali never let his health condition upset him. Unfortunately this season this kept him away from all the matches. However he kept in regular touch with Clive and myself on match days. His cheerful manner doing the 50/50 half time draw tickets will be missed, and for many seasons he and Mags were the regular sellers and in all weathers. However I will never forget the day when it was heavy rain and the bag of tickets was soaked, however, ever resourceful, Ali dried out all the tickets before the draw, in the shack microwave!!
Rest in Peace Ali, thanks for the memories, thanks for being the voice of reason on many a committee debate, thanks for your 28 seasons as a Committee Member… We all will miss you.” Rob Clark
The Club will commemorate Ali at our next home game with a minute’s applause and both teams will wear black armbands.
FIXTURES UPDATE
Fixtures between now and the end of March are as above and as follows – as ever please check with our Facebook and other social media pages for up-to-date information …..it’s going to be a busy time with eleven games in eight weeks, six home games and five away and more dates will be added when the games are arranged….hopefully there will be no more weather interruptions…..
MARCH
Saturday 1 March – Keith FC – home – KO 3pm
Wednesday 5 March – Buckie Thistle FC – home – KO 8pm
Saturday 8 March – Banks O’Dee FC – away – KO 3pm
Saturday 15 March – Inverurie Locos FC – away – KO 3pm
Wednesday 19 March – Huntly FC – home – KO 8pm
Saturday 22 March – Rothes FC – home – KO 3pm
Saturday 29 March – Fraserburgh FC – away – KO 3pm
LOTTERY NOW £9600
As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9400 on our online fundraising lottery – click here if you want to play…
LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some 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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
HOME MATCH v BRECHIN CITY FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE SATURDAY 25 JANUARY 2025 KO 2pm
THIS MATCH IS SPONSORED BY THE MACKELLAR GROUP
As Scotland cowers from Storm Eowyn we hope that this Saturday, weather permitting, we host Brechin City at Seafield Park in a Breedon Highland League match – with a kick off scheduled for 2pm – which is the last 2pm kick off planned for this season . Brechin, who until last weekend were top of the table, but because of their Scottish Cup tie against Hearts, it offered Brora Rangers the chance to overtake them – so Brechin sit a point behind Brora but with a game in hand.
Speaking of the cup tie which Hearts won, I don’t think anyone will forget Brechin’s opening and only goal which was an absolute scorcher by substitute Scott Bright. Scott came on early in the game for City’s captain Euan Spark, who dislocated his shoulder, and I would doubt if he will be featuring in the game on Saturday. After the Jags loss to Lossie last week the onus is on them to get something from the match and as ever we wish Ryan and the boys all the best for a competitive match.
There will be a morning pitch inspection as we have had a few frosty days and nights this week so keep a lookout on our social media pages for up-to-the- minute news and we welcome players, committee and usually a very good travelling support to Grantown and if they wish to check out what the town can offer click here. Safe travels and enjoy your day.
LAST SATURDAY’S MATCH v LOSSIEMOUTH FC
To say the result was very disappointing is an understatement.
There was a good turnout of Jags’ fans who made the trip to Lossie probably confident of a positive result but unfortunately it was not to be.
We lost a goal early in the first half when we couldn’t clear from a corner, and early in the second half Jag’s keeper Euan Storrier saved well but his parry arrived at the boot of a Lossie forward who niftily directed the ball into the net. Although we upped our game in trying to get back level in the last thirty minutes ,twice hitting the woodwork and Stuart Knight, the Lossie keeper, pulling off a great save diving low to his right stopping a defender’s deflection it was not to be and we left Grant Park pointless. As Jag’s boss Ryan Esson after the game said in a interview for the P&J Football Weekly TV show that we are generally improving and are far more competitive but we must tighten up at set plays into our box and also put away the chances we make …..I think most would concur with that assessment but it is the games against our nearest teams in the league that we must win.
This week sees us hosting recent table toppers Brechin City which I hope results in a decent performance and as we always say, you never know in football…..it is also Burn’s Day so “the best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley”
FIXTURES UPDATE
Fixtures between now and the end of March are as follows – as ever please check with our Facebook and other social media pages for up-to-date information …..it’s going to be a busy time ….hopefully there will be no more weather interruptions…..
Saturday 1 February – Keith FC – away – KO 3pm
Saturday 8 February – Clachnacuddin FC – home – KO 3pm
Saturday 15 February – Formartine United FC – away – KO 3pm
Wednesday 19 February – Brora Rangers FC – away- KO 8pm
Saturday 22 February – Nairn County FC – home – KO 3pm
Saturday 1 March – Keith FC – home – KO 3pm
Wednesday 5 March – Buckie Thistle FC – home – KO 8pm
Saturday 8 March – Banks O’Dee FC – away – KO 3pm
Saturday 15 March – Inverurie Locos FC – away – KO 3pm
Wednesday 19 March – Huntly FC – home – KO 8pm
Saturday 22 March – Rothes FC – home – KO 3pm
Saturday 29 March – Fraserburgh FC – away – KO 3pm
LOTTERY NOW £9500
As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9500 on our online fundraising lottery –click here if you want to play…
LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some 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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
It is with a very heavy heart we share the news that our long serving committee member and friend, Ali Smith passed away in Lynemore Care Home, here in Grantown this morning. Ali will be remembered for his warmth and welcoming disposition and who was always ready for a laugh, and his company was always enjoyed by everyone who knew him.
Football was a passion for Duncan Alistair Smith, whether it was in goal for his beloved Nethy Bridge in the local welfare league, or with his dedication to Strathspey Thistle over many years.
Ali and the late Johnny Ross photographed at The Jag’s first home Highland League match in August 2009
Ali was also a very active committee member and was also able to combine his early profession as a coach driver by ferrying the Jags about the North. There are many amusing stories from these days which will no doubt be reminisced upon over the following days.
Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife Marje, sons Gareth and Alistair, his brother Andrew, sister Madge and their families and family friends. Ali’s brother the late Davie Smith also served on the Jag’s committee.
Many a Jags’ fan arriving at Seafield Park, and countless supporters of many of the Highland League teams who visited Strathspey Thistle, were met with warmth and a smile from Ali, especially in his latter duties in the 50/50 half time raffle booth.
Ali welcoming from Harrogate, fans of the Club Steve Pattison and his son Brody, strangely at our home fixture in August 2021 against tomorrow’s opponents Lossiemouth FC.
I am sure too that all club committee members from all over the North will remember Ali with much fondness too.
AWAY MATCH v LOSSIEMOUTH FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE GRANT PARK, LOSSIEMOUTH IV31 6JG SATURDAY 18 JANUARY 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm
Hopefully, Mother Nature will be kind to us all this weekend and allow a full card of football this weekend.
We’re off on our travels to the seaside, and to Grant Park in Lossiemouth and a Breedon Highland League fixture against Lossiemouth FC. It would be fair to say that this is a must win game for both teams – Lossie sit in sixteenth place in the league, one point ahead of ourselves – we’re in eighteenth place, but with two games in hand – so there is everything to play for the Jags as three points would lift us off the bottom of the league. We would hope for a repeat of the score in the game in August at Seafield Park when we won by three goals to nil.
Gaffer Ryan Esson, this week was quoted in the local paper to be very much looking forward to the remainder of the season as the enforced break, due to the weather, has resulted in being able to iron out some frailties we had earlier in the season and there is much confidence throughout the players and coaching staff for our prospects of moving up the league table. We now seem to be have most of the squad available for selection, with long term injuries Jordan Laidlaw back training and Jamie Calder back running, so we wish Ryan and the boys all the best in our first game of 2025….and a far more successful year than the majority of 2024 was.
STEPHEN RENNIE AND SCOT DOCHERTY CONTRACT EXTENSIONS
Stephen RennieScot Docherty
The Jags’ would like to confirm that Stephen Rennie and Scot Docherty have extended their contracts with Strathspey Thistle until the end of the season!
Stephen and Scot have played vital roles in our campaign so far, and we’re delighted to have them stay with the squad as we push for a strong finish.
RAFFLE WINNERS A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Festive Raffle! We are delighted to announce the lucky winners:
Other Prize Winners: Gavin Cairns (#00431) – Dinner for 2 at The Speyside Hotel on 14th Feb Roger Masters (#06440) – Bottle Gin Tom Cummings (#00756) – Case of Moretti Dave Macpherson (#06112) – Full Body Massage Feel Good Therapy Sarah Macritchie (#06853) – Amarone Voucher £100 Margaret McCulloch (#06382) – Tanqueray Gin Darren Sutherland (#06918) – Bottle of Rum Willie Gillies (#01182) – Bag of Food Goodies Aaron Haggan (#08868) – Amarone Voucher £100 Phil Hollett (#08941) – Bottle of Prosecco Bob Sahota (#09270) – Cairngorm Hypnotherapy Voucher Kerry Allan (#03985) – MKM T-shirt & Crafty Coo Highland Coo Vicki & Natalie Paterson (#09254) – Hair Layer £40 Voucher Scott Barlow (#08049) – Bottle of Red Wine Lizzie Grant (#00563) – Bucket Hat & MKM T-shirt Rob Conner (#06146) – Macleans Hamper Dace Kvitko (#00068) – 1/2 Day Electrical Matty McInnes Heather Horton (#01383) – Café 1 Voucher Kerry Allan (#05788) – Cairngorm Hotel Aviemore £50 Alan McKenzie (#06697) – Bottle of Grants Whisky Charlie Brindle (#03451) – MKM Oddballs IRF Nixon (#02085) – Baxters Mini Hamper Pamela Davidson (#09959) – Caorunn Raspberry Gin Susan Bettoli-Riley (#06314) – Bottle Prosecco Chris Barclay (#00211) – Bottle Ouzo Angus Cowe (#06306) – Bottle of Red Wine
Congratulations to all our winners! We will be in touch with winners to arrange delivery/collection of prizes.
Thank you so much again to everyone who donated prizes and bought tickets from everyone at Strathspey Thistle – and a big thank you must also go to Mags and Rob Clark, ably assisted some of the time by Charlie Sinclair for their ticket sales day at Premier Grantown – also everyone else who sold tickets………
FIXTURES UPDATE
Fixtures between now and the end of March are as follows – as ever please check with our Facebook and other social media pages for up-to-date information …..it’s going to be a busy time with thirteen games in nine weeks, seven home games and six away….hopefully there will be no more weather interruptions…..
Steven MacDonald (5) bullets a header past the Broch defence in our 2-2 draw on 2/11/2024.
Saturday 25 January – Brechin City FC – home – KO 2pm …this is the last of our Saturday 2pm kick offs. Saturday 1 February – Keith FC – away – KO 3pm Saturday 8 February – Clachnacuddin FC – home – KO 3pm Saturday 15 February – Formartine United FC – away – KO 3pm Wednesday 19 February – Brora Rangers FC – away- KO 8pm Saturday 22 February – Nairn County FC – home – KO 3pm Saturday 1 March – Keith FC – home – KO 3pm Wednesday 5 March – Buckie Thistle FC – home – KO 8pm Saturday 8 March – Banks O’Dee FC – away – KO 3pm Saturday 15 March – Inverurie Locos FC – away – KO 3pm Wednesday 19 March – Huntly FC – home – KO 8pm Saturday 22 March – Rothes FC – home – KO 3pm Saturday 29 March – Fraserburgh FC – away – KO 3pm
MATCH SPONSORSHIP ALERT!!!! We’re down to our LAST available match sponsorship for the season!
This is your chance to promote your business and support Strathspey Thistle at our last home game of the season:
– Social media coverage in lead up to game – 3 course Lunch with wine – Pre Match Complimentary Bar – Reserved seating in the stand – Half Time refreshments – Post Match Complimentary Bar – Man of the Match Presentation
This is our last match of the season – act fast before it’s gone!
As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9400 on our online fundraising lottery – what a great start that would be to the New Year – click here if you want to play…
LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some 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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
All winners will be notified.
And that’s all for this week sports fans – all we would like to do is wish the Highland League representatives still left in the Scottish Cup this weekend all the very best – to Fraserburgh, who Jags’ fans might remember we managed a well earned draw against on 2nd November, for their trip to Ibrox to face Rangers in a game I am sure will be the highlight of many of their players careers, and to Brechin City, in their warm up to visiting Seafield Park next Saturday, with their tie against Hearts at Glebe Park on Friday night.
HOME MATCH v BUCKIE THISTLE FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE SEAFIELD PARK, GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY, PH26 3HE SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2025 KO 2pm
Well….it won’t have taken the brains of a genius to have discovered that Saturday’s game against Buckie Thistle has been postponed. The photo shows a very picturesque Seafield Park in it’s winter clothing but it’s not so wonderful for fitba’.
A snow covered Seafield Park.
So our focus now moves to next Saturday’s crucial encounter against Lossiemouth FC at Grant Park, Lossiemouth. It’ll be our first outing of the New Year as it will be for Lossie although they did suffer a heavy defeat from high flying Brora Rangers on the last Saturday of 2024′ We didn’t have a game that day as our last game was the Saturday before, in an exciting 3-3 draw at Forres…..let’s hope that the weather forecast is correct when warmer weather is predicted for next Saturday and we can get back to playing regularly.
FILIP STAYS
Filip Franczak
On a far happier note we’re delighted to confirm that Filip Franczak has made his move to Strathspey Thistle permanent. Filip joins us from Forfar Athletic Football Club (Official) and has signed with the club until the end of the 2025/26 season. Although only 18-year-old he has already impressed us during his loan spell, bringing strength to both our defence and midfield. Filip’s development and experience, from his time at St Johnstone to his standout performances with us, have made him a key player in our squad. Head coach Ryan Esson commented: “We’re pleased that Filip has committed to the club long-term. His ability, work ethic, and positive attitude will continue to play a major role as we build for the future.
FESTIVE RAFFLE
The Festive Raffle was to have been drawn on Saturday after the Buckie game but plans have had to be changed obviously.
So you have a couple of days extra to get yoiur tickets as the draw will now take place after our committee monthly meeting on Monday night(13 January) The inclement weather has played havoc with the meetings too-we were meant to have met last Monday night but the snow and ice put paid to that – so fingers crossed all goes well for Monday night – the forecast does look promising though. Result of the draw will be on our social media pages as soon as possible afterwards.
You can still buy tickets from our committee members, playing squad, and management team. ……or drop us an email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk
Thank you for your incredible support and a big thank you to all who have very kindly donated prizes!
And that’s not all – we have lots of other fantastic prizes up for grabs!
Tickets: £1 each /£10 for a book…
DATES FOR YOUR 2025 DIARY
These are the scheduled homegames for January and February and their kick-off times. Saturday 25 January at 2pm – Brechin City FC Saturday 8 February at 2pm – Clachnacuddin FC Saturday 23 February at 3pm – Nairn County FC
With no game scheduled for Saturday 16 February there may be a previous postponed game arranged for that date. Please check with our very much up-to-date social media if there are any changes with kick-offs etc. For hospitality availability and details please contact : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk
There will be a cash bar for all spectators from 1-2 pm and then at full time.
LOTTERY NOW £9300
As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9300 on our online fundraising lottery – what a great start that would be to the New Year – click here if you want to play…
LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some 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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
All winners will be notified.
That’s all sports fans for this week….wrap up warm now!!!
AWAY MATCH v FORMARTINE UNITED FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE NORTH LODGE PARK, PITMEDDEN, AB41 7PA SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2025 – KICK OFF 3pm
Snow and ice at North Lodge Park is the culprit for the postponement of Saturday’s league match against Formartine – so our attention now shifts to next weeks’ home encounter with Buckie Thistle… We still have sixteen very important games left – I know every game is important, but as we near the season’s end they just seem more important. Because of the inclement weather in December and the postponement of three home games and now two away games, we are faced with nine home and seven away matches before 12 April which is the designated final day of the season.
LAST GAME OF 2024 – AWAY AT FORRES MECHANICS SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER
team phonepic courtesy Rob Clark
In horrific conditions for a game of football both teams must be commended for producing a thriller. Forres had wind advantage in the first half and took the lead in four minutes, but Liam Shewan equalised with a cracker of a goal after eighteen minutes and two minutes later Josh Race lobbed the ball goalwards but the wind blew the ball away….
Two of the scorers at Forres – Liam and Josh
As conditions worsened, Forres regained their lead after a defensive error following a Forres corner in thirty-eight minutes but just before half-time Josh Race equalised for the Jags. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Sean Ellis, a trialist for the Jags, headed home our third goal only to be followed four minutes later by a Forres equaliser and that’s how it stayed until the final whistle. A very well deserved point, especially as Forres are twelfth in the table, so hopefully this could result in a turning point for the rest of the season.
PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT – EUAN STORRIER
Euan Storrier
We can confirm that goalkeeper Euan Storrier’s loan deal from Buckie Thistle Football Club has been extended until the end of the season! Euan has been a key addition to our squad, and we’re delighted to have him continue with us for the remainder of the campaign.
JAGS’ CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR RAFFLE RAFFLE
It’s nearing January 11th and the draw for our annual festive season raffle so if you want a chance of winning some fantastic prizes it’s imperative you get your tickets soon and support The Jags!
1st Prize: A fabulous stay at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness – 2 twin rooms for 1 night, bed & breakfast, PLUS a 4-ball at Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club Links! 2nd Prize: A Fine Dining experience for 4 at The Crossing Kingussie – perfect for a special night out! 3rd Prize: A festive hamper filled with seasonal goodies! And that’s not all – we have lots of other fantastic prizes up for grabs! Tickets: £1 each /£10 for a book… You can buy tickets from our committee members, playing squad, and management team.
……or drop us an email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk The draw will take place on: Saturday 11th January, in the Mackellar Suite after the Buckie Thistle game. Thank you for your incredible support and a big thank you to all who have very kindly donated prizes!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – JANUARY FIXTURES
For hospitality availability and details please contact : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk
Don’t wait—book your place now! There will be a cash bar for all spectators from 1-2 pm and then at full time.
FATHER & SON FOOTY ADVENTURES
In September we were visited by Dean and his sons Reece and Coby and we were really chuffed at their recollections of their experiences here at Seafield Park. This week they put on their Facebook page a fantastic drone shot of Seafield Park taken when they were here.
As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9200 on our online fundraising lottery – what a great start that would be to the New Year – click here if you want to play…
LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some 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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
Monday 2nd: Two of our fellow Highland League clubs were rewarded for their progress to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup with plum ties.
Brechin City will host Hearts while Fraserburgh travel to Ibrox to face Rangers with both matches chosen for live television coverage as well.
Saturday 7th: Although the Seafield Park pitch received an early-morning thumbs up ahead of the game against Keith, worsening weather on the weekend that Storm Darragh hit the UK meant the match was postponed.
Saturday 14th: Another postponement unfortunately as the home game with Wick fell foul of the weather, a real shame this one as we were hoping to welcome a full house in hospitality for our Christmas Jumper day and hopes were high of a win to mark the occasion.
Friday 20th: Manager Ryan Esson confirmed to the Press & Journal that defender Wallace Duffy had been released by the club and would be moving on.
Saturday 21st: Our trip to Forres Mechanics may have been our only game of the month but it certainly provided plenty of excitement as both sides battled very difficult conditions to share six goals.
Liam Shewan and Josh Race twice drew the Jags level and trialist S Ellis put us in front on the hour mark before Forres hit back to earn a point.
Saturday 28th: No game for the Jags but action elsewhere in the Highland League and defeats for the three teams above us means the final table for 2024 looks like this…
So, all to play for in the new year in the battle to avoid finishing bottom.
AWAY MATCH v FORRES MECHANICS FC BREEDON HIGHLAND LEAGUE MOSSET PARK, FORRES IV36 1AU SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER 2024 – KICK OFF 3pm
This Saturday sees us heading over the Dava Moor to Forres to our away fixture against Forres Mechanics FC. Forres currently sit in eleventh place and after having a decent start to the season, have faltered somewhat through November and December, so this could be a very entertaining game. We arrive in Forres not having played for the last three Saturdays, The Can-Cans have missed a couple of games in that time interval and have suffered one or two heavy defeats over the past month, so I would reckon it’s anyone’s game – although due to their league position Forres would be the bookie’s favourite. Our last visit was a very wet August night in 2023 and after a very close game we lost 2-1, a game in which we fared better than our most recent meeting at Seafield Park back in August.
Mosset Park, August 2023
A recognisable face for Jags’ fans in the Forres team will be Liam Grant, who left us after being out for most of last season with injuries and signed for the Mechanics at the start of this season and has been involved in the first team squad since. This is the Jags’ last game of 2024 and missing for the Jags will be Paul Brindle and Jamie Calder, as well as Jordan Laidlaw and Alan Kerr with long-term injuries, so there will be close to a full squad for gaffer Ryan Esson to pick the Jags’ eleven from. Under the Mosset Park’s floodlights all the components are there for it to be a Christmas cracker and, hopefully, we head back over the Dava with three valuable points.
MISSION CHRISTMAS – CASH FOR KIDS
Strathspey Thistle visited Mission Christmas HQ in Inverness this week to show our support with a donation of £250 in cash and £150 worth of toys! Commercial Director, Laura Davidson, said: “This service is crucial in ensuring every child has a brighter Christmas. We are proud to play a small part in helping bring joy to families in need across the Highlands.” Pictured with Lyndsay Rose, the MFR Cash for Kids Charity Manager, are Jags’ manager Ryan Esson and player Lewis Mackie as they proudly handover our donations. Cash for Kids is working hard to ensure EVERY child has a present to open this Christmas, but they still need your help with applications continuing to come in.
These are the scheduled homegames for January and February and their kick-off times.
Saturday 11 January at 2pm – Buckie Thistle FC
Saturday 25 January at 2pm – Brechin City FC
Saturday 8 February at 2pm – Clachnacuddin FC
Saturday 23 February at 3pm – Nairn County FC
With no game scheduled for Saturday 16 February there may be a previous postponed game arranged for that date. Please check with our very much up-to-date social media if there are any changes with kick-offs etc. For hospitality availability and details please contact : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk Don’t wait—book your place now! There will be a cash bar for all spectators from 1-2 pm and then at full time.
JAGS’ CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
Mags and Charlie during their sales day at Premier Grantown
It’s that time of the year again….the Jags’ Christmas Raffle….and committee members Mags Clark aided and abetted by her brother Rob and Charlie Sinclair, were ensconced in the PREMIER store in Grantown. Thanks must go to PREMIER – one of our main sponsors – for letting us use their premises to sell our Xmas Raffle tickets.
If you didn’t manage to get Premier there are other ways to purchase : You can buy tickets from our committee members, playing squad, and management team. ……or drop us an email : hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk
The draw will take place on: Saturday 11th January, in the Mackellar Suite after the Buckie Thistle game.
Thank you for your incredible support and a big thank you to all who have very kindly donated prizes!
2nd Prize: A Fine Dining experience for 4 at The Crossing Kingussie – perfect for a special night out!
3rd Prize: A festive hamper filled with seasonal goodies!
And that’s not all – we have lots of other fantastic prizes up for grabs!
Tickets: £1 each /£10 for a book…
….AND NOT TO BE OUTDONE ANOTHER MILESTONE!
£9000 TO BE WON – THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT PRIZE
As ever we conclude this week’s meanderings offering you a jackpot win of a massive £9000 on our online fundraising lottery – imagine that at Christmas – click here if you want to play…
LOTTERY CH-CH-CHANGES
After the current jackpot has been won therefore completing that game, there will be some 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).
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.
If more than one player has 5 winning numbers, the Jackpot will be divided equally among the winning players.
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.
THE DRAW will take place every SUNDAY at 7pm unless otherwise advised.
The entrant named on the ticket must be at least 16 years of age.
All winners will be notified.
Well sports fans that’s it for 2024 – see y’all next year.
