Boss Ryan Esson firmly believes Jags ‘not a million miles away’ from being good Highland League side
Strathspey Thistle boss Ryan Esson believes that his side is not a million miles away from being a really good Highland League outfit.
His observation might draw some raised eyebrows with the Jags currently bottom of the table but Esson is firm in his belief.
He maintains the Grantown side is very unfortunate not to be sitting on more than their current haul of nine points.
Lossiemouth and Rothes have one more point on the board but both have played more games, and there is a very realistic prospect that there will be a relegation play-off at the end of this season.
However, the Jags will not have the chance to overtake them this weekend with Highland League bosses confirming the match away to Formartine United is postponed due to the cold spell.
Esson reflected: “We have to keep believing - we are not a million miles away from being a really good team.
“I wholeheartedly believe that.
“I have stood and watched teams that I have coached and thought ‘we need to do something different here as I am not confident in this squad’.
“I am the opposite here. I believe in the players the most because I can see what they are capable of with my own eyes.
“I’m not lying to myself - I would never cheat myself or the club. I am saying what I see almost all the time in training.
“It is frustating we have had not had more wins that I believe we deserve but we are still in there and still fighting and there are plenty of games still to go.”
Esson believes that lapses in concentration are being punished and little things that have not gone his side’s way have proven costly.
He continued: “I believe in this squad. I came in on a Thursday for my first training session and we then played Deveronvale on the Saturday.
“And at that first training session, I saw the potential. It is just getting boys on the pitch and keeping them fit.
“In our last game (away to Forres Mechanics in a 3-3 draw) we probably needed a couple of fresh legs in the middle of the park if I am being honest.
“It was such a heavy pitch and the players had put so much work in.
“It would have been great to have been able to make a couple of changes but I looked at the bench and there were no midfield options.
“We are missing Kieran Chalmers and Scott Docherty.”
Striker Paul Brindle is available again for selection after serving his one-match ban for two yellow cards.
Latest updates for Highland League fixtures for tomorrow:
Inverurie Loco Works v Rothes (postponed), Keith v Brora Rangers (postponed); Formartine United v Strathspey Thistle (postponed).
Pitch inspections will be carried out at the following matches: Lossiemouth v Forres Mechanics; Nairn County v Turriff United (9.30am); Clachnacuddin v Huntly; Banks O Dee v Fraserburgh (9am then later if required); Buckie Thistle v Deveronvale.
A league spokesman said: “Updates regarding pitch inspection times will be provided as soon as possible.”
