Jags boss puts faith in lower tier with triple signing
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STRATHSPEY Thistle have announced a triple signing as they continue their preparations for the new Highland League season.
In the past week, manager Robert MacCormack has added Iain Ross, Jude Fraser and Taylor Sutherland to his squad – all players previously with the manager's last club, Alness United.
Iain Ross was the first player announced this week, joining the club from amateur side Black Isle United. The winger, who played for MacCormack's Alness United last season, has joined the club on a one year deal.
On Wednesday, Thistle confirmed another forward player in Jude Fraser. Also a wide player, Fraser arrives at Seafield Park having spent five seasons playing for Alness. He also agreed a one-year deal, but faces a period of recovery from an ankle injury before his debut can be made.
Defender Taylor Sutherland has also been added to the squad.
It is not the first time that the Jags boss dabbled in players from the North Caledonian League, having brought Michael Grimes, Jake Lockett and Michael McKenzie in towards the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
McKenzie recently extended his term with the Grantown side after an impressive showing.
And boss MacCormack believes that his new charges can follow in the striker's footsteps – if they apply themselves.
MacCormack said: "We can offer players the opportunity of Highland League football. If I think they can come in and improve our squad, they will get their chance. We will only take in players who we, myself, Mike and Robbie, feel will improve our squad.
"We want to build a squad of players who we know are all capable of starting a game in the Highland League. We need a squad of players who are all capable, who I can trust to put on that pitch and I'll know what I'm getting from them.
"Some people might say we are taking a chance on some of these players from a lower league. Of course we are. But that is where the opportunity lies. I have said it for a while, that there are some very good players in the North Caledonian League and looking around us, other clubs are taking the same chances.
"On Jude's day, he is potentially the best forward winger in the North Caledonian League. He also has the attributes to be a great Highland League player. He is direct, fast and strong. It will be totally up to him whether or not he puts the hard work in and makes it a success.
"Iain, similarly, we have been talking to a lot about what he wants to do. He is tricky, technically superb player, who has been brilliant since day one in pre-season. It is up to him how far he wants to take that."
MacCormack's newest charges had a run out last night in a friendly match against his former club in Alness.
Latest addition Taylor Sutherland slotted in at centre half alongside a trialist defender, flanked by Owen Paterson and ex Ross County youngster Caelan Mutch in a 4-3-3 formation.
Another recent signing, Jack Mackay, joined James McShane and Jack Davison in the middle of the park. Taking up a wide attack role, new boy Ross joined Ross Logan in playing either side of McKenzie up front.
The Jags were six goals to the good by half-time and ran out 9–2 winners overall. James Kendall had little to do in goal, other than a rocky spell early in the second half.
Davison was the highlight with four goals to his name, with McKenzie and Ross both notching twice. A goal from Paterson took the overall tally to nine.
