Newtonmore boss optimistic Blue and Whites will be in contention this season
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The all-conquering Newtonmore second team, who swept the boards at reserve team level last season, is set to make its contribution to the first team squad although maybe not just yet for some of the rising stars.
The Blue and Whites will also be boosted by the return of two familiar faces although another is departing.
Co-manager Norman MacArthur was pleased with the progress in his first season back in charge, along with Evan and David Cheyne, and believes they will be in the mix again for silverware.
The Eilan side got off to a great start last season but eventually was unable to live with the furious pace set by neighbours and eventual grand slam winners Kingussie.
Turning his attention to the new campaign, which starts on March 4, MacArthur predicted: “I think it will be a competitive league this year and if you look at the 10 teams in the Premiership, I think anyone can beat anyone on their day.
"Take the two promoted teams for example, Skye have a good young side and it is a long trip to Portree and never easy on the Island while you only have to look back on how close Beauly ran Kingussie in the Scottish at the Dell last season.”
And he believes ‘More will be in a stronger force this year as some of the leading teens from the club’s second team begin to make their mark.
MacArthur said: “There are half a dozen or so young boys who have a real chance of going all the way. Charlie Ferguson is definitely one for the future. He is a fine player, and he has a brilliant attitude.
“Euan Dingwall is another and there is Ritchie Irvine who has performed very well in defence.
“Tristin Ross is only 15 years old and he, like a number of others, will really benefit from a couple of years in the second team where they are playing for 90 minutes every week rather than spending time of the first team substitutes’ bench.
“The likes of Struan Ross, Arran MacBean and Brodie MacBean were all thrust into the first team last season because of circumstances.
“They are only youngsters but we needed them because of injuries.
“In an ideal world, they would have had longer playing in the second team before making the step up but they have come on so well and can be pleased with themselves.”
MacArthur continued: “We are not far away though and the young boys have progressed and benefited from the experience which strengthens the squad for next season. There is no doubt that we have made progress."
‘More will also be boosted by the return of two more experienced stars too.
MacArthur said: “Iain Richardson has told me that he will be back. That’s a boost and his return will increase our options.
“Drew MacDonald is back training again after injury and although he is not fully running yet, he is working hard to maintain his core fitness level as well as taking part in yoga sessions.”
But MacArthur confirmed that former Lochaber player Max Campbell has ended his spell with the club.
“Max Campbell won’t be available next season.
“He was working in the Ballachulish area for parts of last season which wasn’t ideal as it made it difficult for him to get to training.
“It’s a pity as he was coming onto a game and scoring some goals.”
So, what will success look like next season for Newtonmore?
MacArthur was clear, saying: “We want to keep progressing in the league and, with some good draws in the cups, we’d like to progress there too and get back to playing in the cup finals again.”
'More are currently putting their pre-season friendly plans in place and newly promoted Mowi Premiership side Skye Camanachd are lined up to visit the Eilan on Saturday 11 February.
