Post by Brian Mackay on Aug 3, 2005 18:19:34 GMT
Boss upbeat as season gets under way - from the JOG Journal website - www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk
WICK Academy boss Alistair Budge has revealed that he believes he has a squad capable of making an impact on the Highland League this season.
As the new campaign kicks off this weekend, the Scorries - who have a free week - will play newly promoted East of Scotland Premier Division side Heriothingyt University in a friendly match at Harmsworth Park tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2pm).
The match will provide another test ahead of Wick's first game of the season against Cove Rangers next weekend.
Budge, who has kept the backbone of his squad from the last campaign, has been boosted with the new signing of former St Johnstone forward Gary Farquhar from Nairn County, the re-signing of out-of-contract club captain Martin Gunn and the return of influential defender David Cowie, who missed most of last season through injury.
Local lads Scott Mackay, formerly with Ross County, and Sandy Sutherland, who has more recently been playing for Wick Thistle, have joined the club during the pre-season to add to the squad. Experienced midfielder Jamie Mackenzie - brother of striker Nigel - is also expected to sign for the club. And talks are ongoing to sign Pentland United striker Mack Nichol before the start of the season.
Speaking to the John O'Groat Journal this week, Budge said:
"This could be the best squad we have had during my term at the club. The team that will play against Heriot-Watt will probably be the team that will start the season against Cove Rangers the following weekend."
Academy - who defeated Rossshire side Balintore 3-2 in a friendly on Tuesday night and put in another impressive performance a fortnight earlier against Scottish Premier League First Division side Ross County, despite eventually succumbing to a 1-0 defeat - have admitted that their preparations for the start of the new season have gone well.
"The players have been working hard in training because they are fighting for their places, " Budge said. But he added: "It's vital that they keep pushing because we need to get off to a good start."
Former Academy players David Mowat, Phil Green and Luke Cassidy are expected to line up for Heriot-Watt University, where they are now studying.
However, the Scorries are hopeful that Mowat - who left Wick to sign for Scottish League side Cowdenbeath, before moving back to his university side - will be able to feature in the club's opening games of the season before he has to return south.
Budge said: "This game will be a good test for both sides before the start of the season but it won't be a friendly."
29/07/2005
WICK Academy boss Alistair Budge has revealed that he believes he has a squad capable of making an impact on the Highland League this season.
As the new campaign kicks off this weekend, the Scorries - who have a free week - will play newly promoted East of Scotland Premier Division side Heriothingyt University in a friendly match at Harmsworth Park tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2pm).
The match will provide another test ahead of Wick's first game of the season against Cove Rangers next weekend.
Budge, who has kept the backbone of his squad from the last campaign, has been boosted with the new signing of former St Johnstone forward Gary Farquhar from Nairn County, the re-signing of out-of-contract club captain Martin Gunn and the return of influential defender David Cowie, who missed most of last season through injury.
Local lads Scott Mackay, formerly with Ross County, and Sandy Sutherland, who has more recently been playing for Wick Thistle, have joined the club during the pre-season to add to the squad. Experienced midfielder Jamie Mackenzie - brother of striker Nigel - is also expected to sign for the club. And talks are ongoing to sign Pentland United striker Mack Nichol before the start of the season.
Speaking to the John O'Groat Journal this week, Budge said:
"This could be the best squad we have had during my term at the club. The team that will play against Heriot-Watt will probably be the team that will start the season against Cove Rangers the following weekend."
Academy - who defeated Rossshire side Balintore 3-2 in a friendly on Tuesday night and put in another impressive performance a fortnight earlier against Scottish Premier League First Division side Ross County, despite eventually succumbing to a 1-0 defeat - have admitted that their preparations for the start of the new season have gone well.
"The players have been working hard in training because they are fighting for their places, " Budge said. But he added: "It's vital that they keep pushing because we need to get off to a good start."
Former Academy players David Mowat, Phil Green and Luke Cassidy are expected to line up for Heriot-Watt University, where they are now studying.
However, the Scorries are hopeful that Mowat - who left Wick to sign for Scottish League side Cowdenbeath, before moving back to his university side - will be able to feature in the club's opening games of the season before he has to return south.
Budge said: "This game will be a good test for both sides before the start of the season but it won't be a friendly."
29/07/2005