Post by Brian Mackay on Jan 10, 2005 20:58:44 GMT
New striker on Budge's shopping list - story from The John O'Groat Journal website
SHOT-shy Wick Academy are on the lookout for a new striker in the January sales.
The Scorries, who have netted only 11 goals in 21 hours of Highland League football, have the secondworst scoring record after fellow strugglers Rothes, who have played fewer games.
At the halfway stage Wick languish near the foot of the table with only one league victory to their name.
The latest setback was Monday's 3-0 defeat at Lossiemouth.
Academy boss Alistair Budge is shopping around for a frontman and aiming to net a bargain.
He is set to approach SPL club Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
And, having lost top goalscorer Craig Gunn to Ross County last summer, Budge is also in talks with the first division club in a bid to find a replacement.
But with no money to spend, the best he can hope for is to bring a player in on loan until the end of the season.
With the transfer window reopening in January, Budge is also trying to sign two local players - one of whom has played for the club before.
The manager would not reveal their identities, but Thurso striker Mark Nichol - who had a brief spell at the Harmsworth Park - could be a target given his goalscoring exploits in the North Caledonian League.
Academy will need to improve in front of goal if they are to overcome Keith at Kynoch Park tomorrow.
Speaking to the John O'Groat Journal this week, Budge said: "I am looking for a new striker because although we have been creating the chances we haven't been scoring them."
He added: "We played well against Keith both at home and away last season and, despite losing those games, I believe we can turn things around."
Academy welcome back Stevie Reid and the commanding Paul McCallum following injury and suspension respectively. David Cowie is still out but long-term casualty Gordon Robertson is close to making a comeback.
After that disappointing result at Lossiemouth, Academy are looking to kick-start their New Year this weekend. Budge said: "I am trying to build a strong team to start competing and get the fans back to watch us play."
Keith have some injury concerns ahead of Saturday's game after their 2-0 defeat away to Inverurie Locos earlier this week. However, manager Martin Allan is confident of continuing his successful streak against Academy. He said: "Wick are playing well this season despite struggling to get the points but we are looking to win the game."
07/01/2005
SHOT-shy Wick Academy are on the lookout for a new striker in the January sales.
The Scorries, who have netted only 11 goals in 21 hours of Highland League football, have the secondworst scoring record after fellow strugglers Rothes, who have played fewer games.
At the halfway stage Wick languish near the foot of the table with only one league victory to their name.
The latest setback was Monday's 3-0 defeat at Lossiemouth.
Academy boss Alistair Budge is shopping around for a frontman and aiming to net a bargain.
He is set to approach SPL club Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
And, having lost top goalscorer Craig Gunn to Ross County last summer, Budge is also in talks with the first division club in a bid to find a replacement.
But with no money to spend, the best he can hope for is to bring a player in on loan until the end of the season.
With the transfer window reopening in January, Budge is also trying to sign two local players - one of whom has played for the club before.
The manager would not reveal their identities, but Thurso striker Mark Nichol - who had a brief spell at the Harmsworth Park - could be a target given his goalscoring exploits in the North Caledonian League.
Academy will need to improve in front of goal if they are to overcome Keith at Kynoch Park tomorrow.
Speaking to the John O'Groat Journal this week, Budge said: "I am looking for a new striker because although we have been creating the chances we haven't been scoring them."
He added: "We played well against Keith both at home and away last season and, despite losing those games, I believe we can turn things around."
Academy welcome back Stevie Reid and the commanding Paul McCallum following injury and suspension respectively. David Cowie is still out but long-term casualty Gordon Robertson is close to making a comeback.
After that disappointing result at Lossiemouth, Academy are looking to kick-start their New Year this weekend. Budge said: "I am trying to build a strong team to start competing and get the fans back to watch us play."
Keith have some injury concerns ahead of Saturday's game after their 2-0 defeat away to Inverurie Locos earlier this week. However, manager Martin Allan is confident of continuing his successful streak against Academy. He said: "Wick are playing well this season despite struggling to get the points but we are looking to win the game."
07/01/2005