Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, tomorrow night’s (15 July) pre-season friendly versus Islavale FC at Seafield Park has had to be cancelled. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience.
This means our focus now moves to Saturday and our last pre-season fixture against Forres Thistle FC at Seafield Park, with a KO time of 2pm, and it would be great if you can come and support Ryan and the boys then. This will be our last pre-season friendly before we kick off the Breedon Highland League season at home to Keith on Saturday 26 July KO 3pm.
MATCH v ROSS COUNTY FC TUESDAY 1 JULY, SEAFIELD PARK. A huge thank you to Don Cowie, John Robertson and the entire Ross County squad and staff for making the trip through to Grantown on Tuesday night. It was a fantastic evening and a great test for our squad against top opposition and we appreciated the players and staff for making time for the young fans who attended. We admired the professionalism and quality Ross County brought to the occasion — and we wish them all the very best for the season ahead!
As you can see from the team lines County had their full squad and played with a different eleven in each half, with goals coming from a header from Keiran Phillips in the sixteenth minute, three second half goals from the very impressive Northern Ireland international Ronan Hale and a further goal from Calum Brown making it five. If you want to see the goals check out either our own or Ross County’s Facebook pages.
Ross County’s Keiran Phillips (19) turns away after heading County in front
The Jags played very well with some superb defending in the first half but tiredness began to show latterly but both managers were happy with their team’s evening’s work. Ross County head to Inverness on Saturday for our own Aaron Doran’s testimonial, who, I’m delighted to report started Tuesday night’s match and played forty five minutes. Thanks also to everyone who came along and created a brilliant atmosphere!
Some of the crowd who came along to the match.
HALF-TIME RAFFLE WINNER
Winner of the half-time raffle draw on Tuesday night was local Jags’ fan Paul Mathieson, a regular at Seafield Park – congratulations Paul.
PRESEASON FIXTURES
All the preseason fixtures will be at Seafield Park Next Tuesday (8th) we host Dufftown FC KO 7.30 / Tuesday 15 July v Islavale KO 7.45 and Saturday 19 July v. Forres Thistle KO 2pm
Another date for your diary is an away tie to either Inverness Caledonian Thistle or Lossiemouth in the North of Scotland Cup on Wednesday 20 August KO 8pm.
GOLF DAY JULY 12 Preparations are well under way for our annual fund raising Golf Day and we look forward to welcoming the teams to Grantown Golf Club a week on Saturday
ADMISSION PRICES SEASON 2025-2026
In accordance with all other Highland League clubs the cost of admission to games this season will be Adult – £12 Concessions (over 65) – £6 Under 16’s free.
THE BOARDROOM TAKES SHAPE AND NEW FACES AT THE SNACK BAR
Beginning to take shape is the new Boardroom which we will be using for visiting committee members and will be fully functioning in time for our first SHL home fixture against Keith FC on July 26.
Part of the New BoardroomBilly and Twinkle from Horton Homes
We thank Horton Homes, again, for putting together the kitchen area and we thank Cask for donating the kitchen units (https://caskconstruction.co.uk)
…..and as you can see from the photo we have new incumbents in our Snack Bar who will be supplying spectators with their pies and Bovril this season…..and, they got off to a great and very busy start at the Ross County game.
SEASON TICKETS
Great savings on season ticket prices are available up until our first game of the season against Keith FC on July 26……
As ever we close with details of our fundraising Club Lottery and the jackpot is now a whopping great £11,800…….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.
Friday 13th: Inverness Caley Thistle confirmed the details of a testimonial match for current STFC player/coach Aaron Doran with Ross County visiting the Caledonian Stadium on Saturday 5th July. Kick-off is at 2pm and tickets are available here.
Saturday 21st: A busy one at Seafield Park with our family fun day, a friendly against an Inverness Caley Thistle XI and entertainment into the evening with live music from Cadence. Caley’s Under-19’s ran out 4-1 winners on the day with Aaron Doran netting his first goal for the Jags midway through the second half. Speaking to the Press & Journal after the game, manager Ryan Esson said: “At times, we didn’t pass the ball was well as we can, but you have to give the opposition credit for their pressing – they were energetic. For us, it was a good exercise.”
Match action and temporary goals as we were preserving new goalmouth turf – pic by Marty Wares
After the visit of Ross County on the first of the month, further friendlies are scheduled for next Tuesday (8th) Dufftown FC, then Tuesday 15th at home to Islavale FC (7.30pm) and Saturday 19th at home to Forres Thistle FC (2pm).
Last season’s Player of the Year awards were also handed out with Filip Franczak the big winner, bagging five trophies (Player’s, Coach’s, Directors’ and Committees’) and Young Player of the Year. Josh Race won the Supporters’ vote.
Season Tickets
Season tickets for the 2025/26 season are available at early-bird prices until 13th July. Adults £120, Concessions £60 (16-18 and 65+), on sale at hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk
A reminder of our scheduled fixtures for the upcoming campaign…
Matchday Hospitality
With the fixtures now out, want to enjoy matchday in style?
Register your interest in matchday hospitality and sponsorship now and get ahead of the game.
Strathspey Thistle Club Lottery – Jackpot Now £11,800!
We would love to see a jackpot winner scoop the big prize and with our jackpot currently sitting at an impressive £11,400, now is the perfect time to enter.
You can enter online through this link and be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Don’t miss out – help us spread the word.
Another very successful day at Seafield Park – thank you!
Firstly, multitudinous thanks must go to the terrific twosome – committee member Heather Horton and Commercial Director Laura Mackie for their massive efforts in putting on the STFC Fun Day 25 – not only the herculean amount on the day itself, but all the background work over many days before and after the event ……Ladies, we salute you and thank you both very much.
Preparations for the day.
Thanks must also go the other committee members and helpers – Josh, Donly, Allan, Tom, Charlie, Graeme, Marty, Mags, Rob, Alan, Fraser and JP with his Strathspey Rovers hat on. As ever, many thanks must go to committee man Jon Wood for his time producing all the excellent food from his BBQ, and at night the band Cadence – Brooksie, Liam, Jack and Fraser for their musical magnificence and not forgetting Martin Grant for lending us the Trucks n 2 Grantown marquee tents and the volunteers who helped erect and dismantle them.
John Paterson “The kids loved playing at Seafield Park again they all had a brilliant time many staying on to watch the game ( and getting autographs from players at the end )”
MATCH REPORT
Match action with temporary goals as we were preserving new goalmouth turf – pic by Marty Wares
On a very hot afternoon most spectators were impressed at the calibre of the U-19s team that Inverness Caledonian Thistle sent from Inverness – in fact many were speculating that quite a few will be involved with the first eleven quite a lot throughout next season. ICT got off to a fine start and after the first forty-five minutes they were three up with two goals from trialist Carlos Heredia and a penalty from Ben Gardiner. The Jags had a far better second half although conceding a free kick from Sam Thompson, Jags’ assistant manager and former ICT star Aaron Doran scored his first Jags goal with a superb shot. Manager Ryan Esson was generally quite pleased with the way the game went – the first pre-season outing and with Dylan Lawrence, Daniel Whitehorn, Caelan Mutch and Lewis Mackie amongst those not available for selection. Ryan, interviewed after the game by the P&J’s Paul Chalk said, “I like the core of this team and I felt last season we were a better team that our league position suggested. We have identified a few positions for strengthening, but we haven’t quite done so yet, but we have a few targets in mind. We want players to come in and provide real competition in every position. I don’t think we’ve quite got that. We were missing five boys on Saturday who would have given us extra legs and definitely would have been looking to start. We had to ask boys to keep going and, fair play, they did so and in the second half we were much better”
PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Player of the Year 24/25, Filip Franczak with his haul of trophies.
After the game there was the presentations for the 2024/2025 Player of the Year Awards. Winning the Players, Directors and Committee’s, Coach’s and the Young Player of the Year was Filip Franczak and our congratulations go to him and we hope he has as good a season in 25/26. The Supporters choice was Josh Race and our congratulations go to him too – and our hopes of another season like the last Josh!
Club Captain James McShane presents Filip with his Player’s Player of the Year Award.First Team Coach Ryan Esson with his choice of Player of the Year, Filip Franczak.Josh Race accepting his trophy from Allan Carson.James Fraser presents Filip with his Young Player of the Year Award.
Top goalscorer award went to Daniel Whitehorn who unfortunately was not able to attend – but hopefully Dan can emulate and surpass last season’s total over the next ten months.
Josh celebrating his Supporters POTY.
– and also extra thanks must go Laura for taking the Player of the Year pics too!!
PRE-SEASON FIXTURES AMENDED
AARON DORAN ICT TESTIMONIAL
The astute amongst you sports fans, will have noticed from our last posting that the game against Alness United has been postponed. This is because players and Jags fans wanted to have a chance to support Jags’ assistant manager Aaron Doran’s long overdue Testimonial at the Caledonian Stadium, Inverness on the 5 July with a match against Ross County, the match being sponsored by Mackellar Engineering. Speaking of Ross County, we will be hosting them for a pre-season friendly next Tuesday evening (July 1) kick off 7.45 as well as playing their U-19’s, two weeks later on Tuesday July 15, here at Seafield Park this time with a 7.30 KO.
GOLF DAY – TWO WEEKS ON SATURDAY
Please contact Donly – see details on poster, for any information about sponsorship, hole sponsorship, or entering a team.
LOTTERY
And finally, for this week, the Jags’ Fundraising Lottery jackpot continues to grow – this week reaching £11,700 – so if you want to have a chance of winning click here 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 IT FOR ANOTHER WEEK – THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE ’25 FUN DAY – STRATHSPEY THISTLE FOOTBALL CLUB VERY MUCH APPRECIATE IT.
Next Saturday (21June) sees the Club’s second annual funday with a visit from an Inverness Caledonian Thistle XI, various fun activties throughout the afternoon, the Player of the Year Awards for last season taking place after the game and local rock band Cadence playing in the marquee at night – something for everyone and a great day to be had by all – we look forward to seeing you at Seafield Park – see poster for details.
GOLF DAY Our annual fund-raising Golf Day takes place on the 12 July – four weeks away – at Grantown Golf Club and all details are on the poster – another cracking day out!!
SAF AUDIT The SFA’s Stuart Brown visited us on Friday May 30 to conduct the audit that every senior club in Scotland participates in. Happily the audit was completed successfully so we are all set for Season 2025-2026. Thanks go to Club Secretary Clive Wolstenholme for the tremendous effort and work he puts in enabling the Club to pass.
L to R – Clive Wolstenholme, Charlie Sinclair, Donly McLeod and the SFA’s Stuart Brown during the Club’s SFA Audit.
STRATHSPEY ROVERS The third annual Strathspey Rovers Festival and fundraiser was another resounding success on Saturday May 31. They hosted 27 teams across U8, U10, and U12 categories, with over 300 players plus their coaches, families, friends, and supporters joining us from 9am to 4pm. The weather held up beautifully, and the day ran smoothly without a hitch. Rovers send their thanks to our incredible community for supporting this event, cheering teams and making this a special day for the kids taking part.
Attendees at the Strathspey Rovers Festival
PRESEASON FIXTURES
As ever any changes will be on our social media pages.
SEASON 2025-2026 ADMISSION PRICES
LOTTERY NOW £11,500
It ’s still a ginormous amount for you to win by playing our online fundraising lottery –click here if you want to play…jackpot £11,500……
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 WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH THE VERY EXCELLENT TEAM AT THE GRANTOWN DINER A HAPPY FIFTH BITHDAY…….CONGRATULATIONS……
Stop press: Late news from last month and a special delivery to Seafield Park as our new clubhouse was delivered. This will be used to welcome visiting committee members next season.
The Eagle has landed……the new Clubhouse descends…..
Saturday 3rd: Brora Rangers will still be amongst those visiting after losing over two legs to Lowland League champions East Kilbride for the right to play Bonnyrigg Rose in the promotion/relegation play-off. Later in the month East Kilbride would go on to win promotion to the SPFL.
Tuesday 6th: The Jags announced the first signing of the summer, striker Shaun Morrison on a three-year contract. The 21-year-old, formerly of Forres Mechanics and Rothes, worked with manager Ryan Esson at Inverness Caley Thistle previously.
The Strathspey Herald quoted Ryan as saying: “Great to get Shaun over the line. He’s still young but has good experience at this level.”
Thursday 8th: Club historian Rob Clark shared his memories of David Ritchie, father of former manager Brian Ritchie and grandfather of former player Davie Ritchie, after his sad passing, describing him as a ‘pivotal figure’ in the history of Strathspey Thistle FC.
‘On the day of the Highland Council meeting to decide the future development of Seafield Park, it was Mr Ritchie who quietly stepped away during a recess and returned with the news that we had secured the crucial votes,’ said Rob.
‘Without his efforts, Strathspey Thistle may never have been able to accept the invitation to join the Highland League. Our thoughts are with the Ritchie family at this time.’
Wednesday 14th: The Press & Journal reported that agreement was close on a new structure for Tier 5 of the Scottish game. For the Highland League that means two, rather than three, feeder leagues in the shape of the North Region Juniors and the North Caledonian League.
The Midlands League, which Jags supporters and officials have often kept an eye for potential league winners who would qualify for a play-off against the HL’s bottom club, would feed into a new Lowland League East from 2026/27 while clubs from Angus and Tayside, such as Brechin City, would move into the new Lowland section.
Highland League president Sandy Sinclair told the P&J: “We feel the proposal that was put forward makes economic and geographical sense and we’re pleased it has been adopted by all the relevant bodies.”
Friday 23rd: Members of the STFC committee enjoyed the Highland League’s annual dinner at the Kingsmill Hotel in Inverness, where Angus Grant of Huntly was named as the league’s player of the year.
Friday 30th: A busy day of fixture news…The Jags were given the toughest possible draw in the opening round of the Highland League Cup, away to holders Brora Rangers on Saturday 13th September, and also learned of their league fixtures for 2025/26 as below…
With the fixtures now out, want to enjoy matchday in style?
Register your interest in matchday hospitality and sponsorship now and get ahead of the game.
Strathspey Thistle Club Lottery – Jackpot Now £11,400!
We would love to see a jackpot winner scoop the big prize and with our jackpot currently sitting at an impressive £11,400, now is the perfect time to enter.
You can enter online through the link below and be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Don’t miss out – help us spread the word.
We have two exciting events coming up this summer that we would love for you to be a part of! Mark your calendars and save these dates:
Saturday 21st June – Strathspey Thistle FC Family Fun Dayand Caley Thistle friendly at Seafield Park
Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day of activities, games, and entertainment at Seafield Park, including music from Cadence and a pre-season test against an Inverness Caledonian Thistle XI (kick-off 2pm).
Saturday 12th July – Strathspey Thistle FC Golf Day at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club
Team Scramble event which starts at 9am, with participating teams leaving the first tee at twelve minute intervals with some fantastic prizes.
Details are available from Club Chairman Donly McLeod – tel. no 07709 990 286
Well. what’s been happening over the past two or three weeks in Jagsland…..
SHAUN SIGNS, AARON EXTENDS
Starting with excellent news regarding Shaun Morrison and Aaron Doran……
We were delighted to confirm the signing of 21-year-old forward Shaun Morrison on a permanent three-year deal from Forres Mechanics. A graduate of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle youth academy, Shaun moved to Forres in January 2022 and most recently gained valuable experience during a loan spell at Rothes. Manager Ryan Esson, who has previously worked with Shaun, said: “I know Shaun well and I’m delighted to bring him to Strathspey Thistle. He’s a talented forward with real potential and a great attitude. I’m excited to work with him again and watch him develop with us.”
And more excellent signing news we’re also delighted to announce that Aaron Doran has signed a one-year contract extension continuing as a player/coach.
Aaron arrived at the club alongside manager Ryan Esson, bringing immense experience — most notably making over 350 appearances for Inverness CT, where he cemented his status as a club legend. While a long-term injury has prevented him from making his debut for Strathspey so far, his influence behind the scenes has been invaluable. With his recovery progressing well, we’re hopeful Aaron will rejoin the squad during pre-season and finally make his long-awaited debut in Strathy Jags colours next season. Ryan Esson said: “Aaron’s quality and experience are clear, but it’s the way he’s applied himself around the club during a difficult year that’s been outstanding. Having him continue as player/coach is a big boost, and we’re all excited to see him back on the pitch soon.”
Pre-season starts 9 June ………
ANNUAL PITCH MAINTENANCE
Mike and Malcolm from Highland Landscapes and Designs (https://www.highlandlandscapedesign.co.uk) started last Thursday (22May) our annual pitch maintenance programme – the pitch as you can see from the photo was showing signs of the good weather and the lack of water over the past month or so, but fortunately Friday night brought a fair bit of rain- so I would imagine we are back to our normal Scottish weather so drought should be now be averted…
SANDWICHES GALORE According to our sources it was National Sandwich week last week, and we couldn’t let the celebration go past without a big shout out to the Premier team that provides the sandwiches for our visiting teams, committees, and guests at Seafield Park.
Premier Grantown, as you know, are one of Strathspey Thistle FC’s major sponsors and this hardworking crew led by the legendary Mani, prepares for Premier Shops all over Scotland, over 3,000 sandwiches, wraps, baguettes, and salad boxes every week – fresh and full of flavour! They’re our behind-the-scenes sandwich stars that keep everyone fed and happy! Their Coronation Chicken sandwich must be one of the finest in existence!!
HIGHLAND LEAGUE ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER
Pictured enjoying themselves at the recent Highland League Annual Awards dinner at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness are three of the Jags stalwarts – L to R – committee member Mags Clark, Babs McLeod, wife of Chairman Donly McLeod, and Laura Mackie, our Commercial Director.
FAMILY FUN DAY – SATURDAY JUNE 21
The details of our Family Fun Day have been finalised for THREE weeks this coming Saturday .. 21 June…..the longest day – more time to enjoy yourselves …..see poster for details
AND CLOSELY FOLLOWING ON IT’S HEELS OUR FUND RAISING GOLF DAY
The Golf day will be taking place again at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club which is situated next door to Seafield Park on Saturday July 12….a Team Scramble event which starts at 9am, with participating teams leaving the first tee at twelve minute intervals with some fantastic prizes. Details are available from Club Chairman Donly McLeod – tel no 07709 990 286
LOTTERY NOW £11,3000……
As ever we close with details of our fundraising Club Lottery and the jackpot is now a whopping great £11,300…….
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.
Wednesday 2nd: No game for the Jags but all eyes were on Kynoch Park where Keith edged past Rothes by a single goal to keep STFC three points clear of Rothes at the bottom of the Highland League table.
Saturday 5th: We entertained Wick Academy at Seafield Park, the match sponsored by LG Simpson, Highway Contractors, on a beautiful day for football. The visitors took an early lead before James McShane equalised midway through the first-half. Wick went back in front before the break and extended their lead shortly after before a Jags fightback nearly earned a point, Daniel Whitehorn scoring and then what we thought was an 85th minute equaliser being disallowed. Defeat for Rothes all but ensured we would not finish bottom of the Highland League this season.
Wednesday 9th: Our turn to visit Keith and, with the pressure off for the Jags in the battle to avoid finishing bottom, we turned on the style to record an excellent 4-1 victory. Daniel Whitehorn netted twice, to continue his goalscoring form, with Cameron Lisle and Paul Brindle, with a penalty, also on the mark.
Saturday 12th: A sunny day at Seafield Park but no win to end the season as Turriff United ran out 4-1 winners, Paul Brindle scoring the Jags’ goal. That left the final table looking like this…
Wednesday 2nd: No game for the Jags but all eyes were on Kynoch Park where Keith edged past Rothes by a single goal to keep STFC three points clear of Rothes at the bottom of the Highland League table.
Saturday 5th: We entertained Wick Academy at Seafield Park, the match sponsored by LG Simpson, Highway Contractors, on a beautiful day for football. The visitors took an early lead before James McShane equalised midway through the first-half. Wick went back in front before the break and extended their lead shortly after before a Jags fightback nearly earned a point, Daniel Whitehorn scoring and then what we thought was an 85th minute equaliser being disallowed. Defeat for Rothes all but ensured we would not finish bottom of the Highland League this season.
Wednesday 9th: Our turn to visit Keith and, with the pressure off for the Jags in the battle to avoid finishing bottom, we turned on the style to record an excellent 4-1 victory. Daniel Whitehorn netted twice, to continue his goalscoring form, with Cameron Lisle and Paul Brindle, with a penalty, also on the mark.
Saturday 12th: A sunny day at Seafield Park but no win to end the season as Turriff United ran out 4-1 winners, Paul Brindle scoring the Jags’ goal. That left the final table looking like this…
Last season’s record, for comparison, was played 34, won 3, drew 1, lost 30, goals for 35, goals against 151, goal difference -116 and points 10 so an improvement in every area this time around.
Some milestones along the way this season…we make the first goal in the game at Keith to be our 250th away goal in the Highland League and our 55th league win on the road…thanks to Rob Clark, Stephen MacLean and Clive Wolstenholme who are busy compiling the club’s complete HFL record.
As the season ends, thanks to everyone who has supported the club during 2024/25, our fantastic volunteers, loyal supporters, sponsors and lottery players. Thanks too to the Press & Journal and Strathspey Herald for their coverage of the league and club.
Plans are already underway for next season and the club are pleased to have agreed new contracts with Cameron Lisle, Daniel Whitehorn and Caelan Mutch.
News from elsewhere…
Congratulations to Brora Rangers on their league title win and League Cup success. The Cattachs face a tough task in gaining promotion to the SPFL, however, having lost 4-1 to East Kilbride in the first leg of their play-off game, the return being held on Saturday 3rd May.
Good luck to former manager Robert MacCormack after being appointed as the new boss of Alness United.
Strathspey Thistle Club Lottery – Jackpot Now £10,900!
We would love to see a jackpot winner scoop the big prize and with our jackpot currently sitting at an impressive £10,900, now is the perfect time to enter.
You can enter online through the link below and be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize. Don’t miss out – help us spread the word.
Dates for the Diary
We have two exciting events coming up this summer that we would love for you to be a part of! Mark your calendars and save these dates:
📅 Saturday 21st June – Strathspey Thistle FC Family Fun Day at Seafield Park
Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day of activities, games, and entertainment at Seafield Park!
📅 Saturday 12th July – Strathspey Thistle FC Golf Day at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club
More details to follow, so stay tuned to our social media pages and club website over the summer.
Last season’s record, for comparison, was played 34, won 3, drew 1, lost 30, goals for 35, goals against 151, goal difference -116 and points 10 so an improvement in every area this time around.
Some milestones along the way this season…we make the first goal in the game at Keith to be our 250th away goal in the Highland League and our 55th league win on the road…thanks to Rob Clark, Stephen MacLean and Clive Wolstenholme who are busy compiling the club’s complete HFL record.
As the season ends, thanks to everyone who has supported the club during 2024/25, our fantastic volunteers, loyal supporters, sponsors and lottery players. Thanks too to the Press & Journal and Strathspey Herald for their coverage of the league and club.
Plans are already underway for next season and the club are pleased to have agreed new contracts with Cameron Lisle, Daniel Whitehorn and Caelan Mutch.
News from elsewhere…
Congratulations to Brora Rangers on their league title win and League Cup success. The Cattachs face a tough task in gaining promotion to the SPFL, however, having lost 4-1 to East Kilbride in the first leg of their play-off game, the return being held on Saturday 3rd May.
Good luck to former manager Robert MacCormack after being appointed as the new boss of Alness United.
Dates for the Diary
We have two exciting events coming up this summer that we would love for you to be a part of! Mark your calendars and save these dates:
📅 Saturday 21st June – Strathspey Thistle FC Family Fun Day at Seafield Park
Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day of activities, games, and entertainment at Seafield Park!
📅 Saturday 12th July – Strathspey Thistle FC Golf Day at Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club
More details to follow, so stay tuned to our social media pages and club website over the summer.
The Eagle has landed……the new Clubhouse descends…..
After some months of research, we would like to thank Wernick of Nairn (www.wernick.co.uk) for the supply and delivery of, to us, our brand new unit. Specifically we would like to thank Angela and Martin at Wernicks, Davie the delivery driver and our own Charlie Sinclair who negotiated the deal.
The guys that made it possible – Davie from Wernicks, James Gordon, Charlie Sinclair and Denis Smith.
We can now look forward to offering a more relaxed and salubrious surrounding for hosting the committees from the visiting teams to Seafield Park and thank them for their patience this past season as we continue to evolve.
The new Clubhouse in situ at Seafield Park 30.04.25
PLAYER UPDATE We are delighted that Cammy Lisle, Caelan Mutch and Daniel Whitehorn have extended their contracts with the Jags and look forward to seeing them again next season.
Cammy LisleCaelan MutchDaniel Whitehorn
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
It has been confirmed that this year’s Golf Fundraising Day at Grantown Golf Club will be on Saturday 12 July and our now annual FunDay will be held on Saturday June 12 with various activities which will be confirmed nearer the time…..but if it is anything like last year a good day will be had by all! More details soon…..
LOTTERY NOW £10,900
the jackpot now stands at £10,900 for you to win by playing 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.
All winners will be notified.
PLEASE KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE JAGS’ HAPPENINGS ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES……
STRATHSPEY THISTLE FOOTBALL CLUB WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE INVOLVED – PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT, COMMITTEE, MATCH DAY HELPERS AND OUR FANTASTIC SUPPORTERS FOR ALL THEIR HELP AND INPUT THROUGHOUT THE SEASON.
CONGRATULATIONS BRORA! Firstly congratulations must go Brora Rangers FC on their winning of the Breedon Highland League Season 24/25 and we wish them all the best in their forthcoming tie against the winners of the Lowland League, East Kilbride FC for a place in Scotland’s Division Two. Obviously with league reconstruction again we do not know the component teams of next years league as there are various scenarios. But all will be revealed before what will probably the opening of the league season on Saturday 19 or 26 July.
SATURDAY’S MATCH v TURRIFF UNITED
Saturday’s Match report from Ian Davidson Strathspey Thistle went into their final league match of the season against Turriff United with renewed confidence following an excellent second half performance from their league encounter with Keith, at Kynoch Park, only days earlier. Goals from Daniel Whitehorn with a brace, Cammy Lisle and a Paul Brindle penalty eventually gave the Badenoch side a comfortable win. So, confidence was high going into their meeting with the Turra, even though the visitors had won the reverse fixture at the Haughs back in November convincingly. Boss Ryan Esson made two changes to his starting line-up from the side that had overcome the Maroons days earlier with Paul Brindle and Jordan Laidlaw coming in to replace Sam Morrison and Daniel Whitehorn respectively. With former Scottish FA Chief Executive, Scotland International and Rangers striker Gordon Smith the VIP for the home side, the home side got off to the worst possible start to proceedings, conceding three quick fire goals inside the opening twenty-five minutes. The visitors were ahead as early as the ninth minutes. The deadlock was broken from a corner to the far post where Owen Kinsella climbed above a static rearguard to power home a superb header for the opener. Four minutes later they increased their advantage when a ball into the home penalty area caused all sorts of problems for the defence and Reece McKeown weaved his way through to plant a right foot effort into the corner of the net beyond the helpless Euan Storrier. With the home side struggling to break down a stubborn Turriff rearguard the visitors duly netted a third effort after twenty-five minutes, when Mackenzie Taylor weaved his way into the penalty area before swivelling to beat the keeper with a low drive into the net. The home side hit back and two minutes later they reduced the leeway when Lewis Mackie raced to the edge of the box to drive in a powerful cross for Paul Brindle to apply the finish from close range. Storrier was again called into action with ten minutes of the first period remaining when he made an excellent full length save to deny Taylor his second of the afternoon as the visitors looked to restore their three goal advantage. The home side had a let-off twelve minutes after the resumption when a long clearance from keeper Cameron Reid found John Allan on the edge of the box, however, his well struck effort drifted inches wide of the far post. The home side countered and two minutes later a powerful run from Zach MacPhee following a Dylan Lawrence through ball ended with the full back forcing the keeper into a fine save at his near post as the home side looked to reduce the leeway. Any hopes of the home side rescuing something from the match ended after sixty three minutes. Euan Storrier could only parry an effort from Mackenzie Taylor and Archie Gibson reacted the quickest to fire the loose ball high into the net. With two minutes remaining striker Paul Brindle attempted an audacious lob from fully thirty yards that beat the keeper but failed to hit the target. Boss Ryan Esson will be looking to add to his squad during the close season in an effort to clearly improve their league position next time round. Priority will be to stop conceding early goals something that occurred consistently throughout this season if they are to give themselves a chance of winning matches.
Jags’ boss Ryan Esson was quoted in the Press and Journal after the game saying “Strathspey finished 17th and I think playing on Wednesday night took its toll, the boys looked leggy as well as playing 15 games in two months” “I’m not happy with this performance, but I can’t criticise the boys for the effort they’ve put in over the course of the season and I’m proud of them. “We’ve got more points than last season, we’ve scored more goals and we’ve conceded fewer goals than last season, but we need to try to make further improvements going forward.”
MOTM
Our final Man of the Match award went to Scot Docherty.
He was presented with his award by our special guest on the day, Gordon Smith – former SFA Chief Executive, Rangers and Scotland international.
HALF TIME RAFFLE
It’s that man again……we said last week that lightning never strikes in the same place twice…..well, for the third time in two months Ken Crake was the lucky recipient of the money!!
THANKS From everyone at Strathspey Thistle Football Club thank you to everyone who came to the games, played the lottery and made a noise when we scored!
On a personal level I would like to thank for their help and support throughout the season with the website and with the tasks I am involved with : Rob Clark for furnishing me with a few historical details and articles when needed, Caci Horton for helping find the Half-Time raffle draw winning ticket holder, Laura Mackie for updating me with future match arrangements, her Dad, Ian Davidson for sending me some match reports for inclusion on the website, Marty Wares for team lines before our home games, Mike “The Fraz” Fraser on Bradenstoke Radio in the Cotswolds for adopting us, Jim Beveridge and Ken Croke for helping the pitch committee with repairs after every home game, Gavin, Tom and Frances at “the Strathy” for their continued support and also to the rest of the committee for their support and craic throughout the season.
OFF THE PITCH And as the season closes we start, preparations for the new season begin with the annual pitch maintenance programme and are expecting the arrival very soon of a new, to us, boardroom and committee/hospitality unit for welcoming the committees of our Highland League colleagues.
So that should keep us busy until the middle of July when the hoopla returns………
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Keep up to date with the happenings by checking out our Facebook, X and Instagram pages and any other socials we may have for information regarding….
This year’s Golf Fundraising Day at Grantown Golf Club on Saturday 12 July and our now annual FunDay will be held on Saturday June 12 with various activities which will be confirmed nearer the time…..but if it is anything like last year a good day will be had by all!
LOTTERY NOW £10,700
It ’s still a ginormous amount – £10,700 for you to win by playing 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.
All winners will be notified.
SO THAT’S IT FOLKS FOR SEASON 2024/2025 – THANKS VERY MUCH IF YOU HAVE BEEN KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE GOINGS ON AT STFC THROUGH THE WEBSITE AND THERE WILL PROBABLY THE OCCASIONAL POST DURING THE SUMMER – SEE YOU MID-JULY FOR THE 2025-2026 SEASON.
