Jamie Matheson, who was considering his future as Lovat manager, has been influenced by ‘player power’ to to stay on with the Kiltarlity club he has guided to two successive Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup finals.
Matheson said: “I was thinking things over about my future but when the players heard there was a question mark, they approached me and urged me to carry on. That was encouraging and made up my mind.
“This is the end of my second full season in charge and we’ve done OK in the circumstances, though I think that with a bit of luck we could have won a couple of trophies. That’s got to be my target going forward.”
At 32, the youngest team boss in the Mowi Premiership, Matheson’s decision is a tonic to the Black and Whites, hot on the heels of Kinlochshiel and Caberfeidh losing managers Johnston Gill and Jodi Gorski respectively, while John Gibson has yet to commit to staying on at Grand Slam champs Kingussie.
Matheson also disclosed that he has made an important signing in Paul Mellis, the former Newtonmore fitness coach, who will take up a similar role at Balgate Park next season in place of Gavin Heath, who has stepped down.
Lovat, meanwhile, are no fewer than 10 players short for their home game with Glasgow Mid Argyll on Saturday due to a wedding, holidays, injuries and players at the Murrayfield rugby international.
This includes international defender Calum Cruden, whose unfortunate season ends early after an injury against Kinlochshiel has been confirmed as a broken collarbone.
Matheson is among the wedding guests and his assistant Euan Ferguson will take charge, as well as possibly being in the starting line-up.
Brilliant first taster session here at Muiredge Primary School, a main feeder School for @UGSchool. The kids were great to work with and were involved throughout the whole session, as we continue to bridge the gap through the player pathway! 🏑📚@muiredgeprimary pic.twitter.com/4e0xsatFsn
— Shinty (@camanachd) November 2, 2022
Skye’s Will Cowie admits the islanders will need to be clinical in their finishing if they are to complete their National Division season undefeated on Saturday and clinch the league trophy in the process.
A point away to third-top Inveraray will see Skye become champions at the expense of Beauly, while both sides take a break before preparing for life in the Mowi Premiership.
Cowie, who has been nine years in the first team yet is still only 25, said: “It’s never easy at Winterton Park and we’ll need to grab our chances when they come. Inveraray will be stuffy opposition.
“We’ve been really consistent in our league campaign, with the defence conceding only five goals while we’ve been scoring plenty as well. Ross Gordon is still only 19 but he’s gone on a great scoring run and is becoming a superb player.
“There’s great potential in our squad and our target is to get rid of our ‘yo-yo team’ tag at the third attempt after going up twice and being relegated the following season.
“The big challenge will be to score enough goals to stay in the Premiership – but I think the ability and attitude are there.”
Kenny Macleod’s side should be at full strength for the Argyll trip but Beauly only getting the winner in injury time at Inveraray last weekend is a warning to Skye that they will have to work hard if skipper Ally Macleod is to step up and collect the National Division silverware.
If Skye fail to win, Beauly will be champions on goal difference.
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