Welcome to the first of what I hope will be many of these columns to be published over the coming years in a new and improved ‘fan element’ to highlight the Press & Journal sponsored Scottish Highland Football League.
Rather than just talk about the club I have been asked to write about – Turriff Utd- I thought I would use part of this first ever column to maybe introduce people who don’t know quite so much about the league to some of the delights it holds.
Covering a vast area from Wick up at the top down to Fort William on the left and Aberdeen on the right this league is probably one of the best leagues you will see anywhere in the country for pure entertainment, attacking football and lads who work a 40-50 hours a week and turn out for their clubs in most cases for ‘beer money’ but still give 110% every week.
They are people who are just like you and me – joiners, roofers, plumbers, students amongst many other professions -although maybe a bit (or a lot in my case) fitter and a bit (or a lot in my case) more talented with a ball at their feet, boys who aren’t in it for the money but who do it because they love playing the game.
Now on to the real business…I am immensely proud to see my team currently sitting joint top of the league, albeit on goal difference and with Brora having games in hand.
The improvement this season from where we were last season is almost unimaginable. From a frustrating side who it was easy to see had the talent and drive to be a very good side but just couldn’t seem to get the results required we have turned into a side who know how to find that final push to come back and win a game or hold onto the lead we have.
This can only really be put down in my eyes to the management team we now have in place. We have basically the same squad as last season (three new signings) and are playing the majority of the same first team as last season but this year something is different.
We are organised, driven and have a will to win that was lacking last season, if we go a goal down the players heads don’t go down anymore. We kick on and try and get back on track. Having only lost two games this season in the league this is definitely top four form.
Hopefully we can sustain this for the remainder of the season and maybe provide a challenge over the next couple of seasons for the league. Hope you all enjoy the new feature and if you are not already going to games hopefully it encourages you to maybe check out your local side. Value for money, guaranteed goals and excitement from your Saturday afternoon… what more could you want?
If you are interested in writing about your Highland League club, email andrew.clark@ajl.co.uk