Post by Brian Mackay on Apr 14, 2007 19:41:03 GMT
Swifts strengthen squad for new county season
By Iain Grant
Published: 13 April, 2007
THE County League kicks off on Monday with last year's first division champions, Pentland United, opening their defence with a home match against Wick Rovers.
There has been a fair amount of transfer activity, a main talking point being the clutch of arrivals at Swifts. The Thurso side, who flirted with relegation last year, are making a big effort to challenge for honours this term.
Their new recruits include brothers Jamie and Nigel MacKenzie, Graeme Reid, Lee MacDougall and Mark Nichol – from a mixture of Acks and Pentland United. They also have a new keeper in ex-Pentland man Lee Allan.
United have also been in the market, with their arrivals including Andrew Richardson, from Wick Thistle; Martin Bain, from Acks; and Michael Steven, from John O'Groats.
The departures have weakened Acks, the 2005 champions, who will be fielding a very young squad.
John O'Groats and Castletown are along the same lines as last season.
In Wick, Rovers have lost keeper James More, now on a contract with Wick Academy. Youngster Stevie Kelly is in the frame to replace him.
Sanders Harper's side have John Harper and Dougie More back and have signed Colin McKiddie from town rivals Thistle.
Thistle have a weakened squad, while newly-promoted Thurso Pentland and Halkirk both feature a number of changes. Michael Bremner has returned to his home village side, while Neil Mackay has signed Thurso Pentland duo Ian Adamson and Michael Henderson.
Pentland have centre-back Michael Foubister back from long-term injury.
Wick Groats are strong favourites to bounce back into the first division.
The divisions have a lopsided look following the withdrawals of Dounreay Workshops, Mid County and Thurso Thistle. This gives a first/second division split of 9/6.
There have been added headaches for teams in Thurso and Wick as a result of the timing of work on Sir George's Park and Upper Bignold and the associated pavilions. There will be particular problems in Wick when refurbishment work starts on the changing rooms later this month. Teams are due to be given the use of East End's hut during the course of this.
Fixtures: Monday (6.45) – Division One: John O'Groats v Wick Thistle; Pentland United v Wick Rovers.
Tuesday (6.45) – Division One: Halkirk v Acks. Division Two: FSC v Top Joe's; Keiss v Lybster.
Wednesday (6.45) – Division One: Castletown v John O'Groats.
Thursday (6.45) – Division One: Swifts v Thurso Pentland. Division Two: Ashes v Wick Groats.
iain-grant@ukf.net
By Iain Grant
Published: 13 April, 2007
THE County League kicks off on Monday with last year's first division champions, Pentland United, opening their defence with a home match against Wick Rovers.
There has been a fair amount of transfer activity, a main talking point being the clutch of arrivals at Swifts. The Thurso side, who flirted with relegation last year, are making a big effort to challenge for honours this term.
Their new recruits include brothers Jamie and Nigel MacKenzie, Graeme Reid, Lee MacDougall and Mark Nichol – from a mixture of Acks and Pentland United. They also have a new keeper in ex-Pentland man Lee Allan.
United have also been in the market, with their arrivals including Andrew Richardson, from Wick Thistle; Martin Bain, from Acks; and Michael Steven, from John O'Groats.
The departures have weakened Acks, the 2005 champions, who will be fielding a very young squad.
John O'Groats and Castletown are along the same lines as last season.
In Wick, Rovers have lost keeper James More, now on a contract with Wick Academy. Youngster Stevie Kelly is in the frame to replace him.
Sanders Harper's side have John Harper and Dougie More back and have signed Colin McKiddie from town rivals Thistle.
Thistle have a weakened squad, while newly-promoted Thurso Pentland and Halkirk both feature a number of changes. Michael Bremner has returned to his home village side, while Neil Mackay has signed Thurso Pentland duo Ian Adamson and Michael Henderson.
Pentland have centre-back Michael Foubister back from long-term injury.
Wick Groats are strong favourites to bounce back into the first division.
The divisions have a lopsided look following the withdrawals of Dounreay Workshops, Mid County and Thurso Thistle. This gives a first/second division split of 9/6.
There have been added headaches for teams in Thurso and Wick as a result of the timing of work on Sir George's Park and Upper Bignold and the associated pavilions. There will be particular problems in Wick when refurbishment work starts on the changing rooms later this month. Teams are due to be given the use of East End's hut during the course of this.
Fixtures: Monday (6.45) – Division One: John O'Groats v Wick Thistle; Pentland United v Wick Rovers.
Tuesday (6.45) – Division One: Halkirk v Acks. Division Two: FSC v Top Joe's; Keiss v Lybster.
Wednesday (6.45) – Division One: Castletown v John O'Groats.
Thursday (6.45) – Division One: Swifts v Thurso Pentland. Division Two: Ashes v Wick Groats.
iain-grant@ukf.net