New Kings boss Iain Borthwick says he has big boots to fill
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Kingussie Camanachd Club new boss Iain ‘Corky’ Borthwick has admitted that he has big boots to fill but intends to enjoy every minute of the journey.
Borthwick was appointed Kings first team manager for the 2023 shinty season at the end of last week.
He replaces Grand Slam winning boss John Gibson who stood down at the end of last year after a hugely successful time in charge.
Borthwick broke into the Kingussie team in the early 1990s, after being the recipient of the club’s 1991 Johnnie Cruickshank young player of the year accolade and he went on to be a permanent fixture in their defence for 20 years.
Over that time, playing for a period with brothers Stephen, David, Ali and Andrew, he amassed an impressive haul of medals including nine Camanachd Cup successes.
The high spot came in 2000 when he captained the Kingussie to Camanachd Cup success, when Kevin Thain and a Ronald Ross double earned a 3-1 win over Kyles Athletic at An Aird.
Since ending his playing days, Borthwick has coached at every level from primary school through to the Kingussie second team which he led last season.
He is now looking forward to taking the first team reins.
Speaking to the Strathy, Borthwick said: “I have big boots to fill, that’s for sure as John Gibson did a fantastic job. I’m going to enjoy it though.
“I know the players from coaching the primaries and the juveniles over the years and of course I was at training with them all last season when I looked after the second team with Dawsie (Craig Dawson).
“We had a training session at Dalfabar on Saturday and whilst a few boys were on holiday, it was still very worthwhile. I’m taking time just now to contact all the players to check their availability for the coming season.
“I need to see how the injured boys are getting on and check work patterns with some players so that they are okay to train and play.
“I also want to catch up with Neil (Bowman) when he returns from holiday, and I hope he’ll be on board for the season ahead.”
Borthwick is in no doubt that opposing teams will be out to topple his troops next season.
He said: “After all the hype from last season, teams will be out to take our scalp, everyone will want to beat us.
“It will be a tough season and we are not invincible.
“The opposition will put in 110 per cent effort against us to try and win.
“That’s what it was like when I played, and we need to be ready for that.”
Borthwick, who is also a retained fire fighter, would also like to use some of the club’s former players to help out.
“Whether it’s the likes of Dallas Young or Ronald Ross,” he said, “I’d like to have some of our former players come along to training and take the players for some drills.
“It’s always good to have fresh ideas and it will make it interesting for the players.”
