Ross & Cromarty in strong position ahead of Highlands and Islands League debut under new moniker
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What is in a name? Well, six or seven quality signings if you ask Iain Firth.
The manager of Ross & Cromarty WFC believes a simple rebranding exercise may have helped re-energise his squad.
The former ICTWFC development team has struck out on its own and is now readying for a first competitive match at home to Orkney this weekend.
Since last year’s third-place finish in the Highlands and Islands Women’s League, strength in depth has been added.
The decision to split from the city club was not taken lightly, but seems to have reaped some rewards.
“The change in identity has probably helped player recruitment,” Firth said.
“We’ve brought in six or seven really good players and I don’t know why they hadn’t been picked up by other clubs. Possibly the old name might have put some of them off, given local football rivalries. Maybe being more neutral in identity has given people a better option.
“We’re based at Ferry Brae Park in North Kessock, so we’re quite well-placed between Inverness and Ross-shire, but we don’t want a huge squad.
“We’re sitting at 22 or 23 right now and we want just enough numbers so everyone gets a decent crack at it.”
ICT Development finished behind champions Buckie Thistle and challengers Clach last season, finishing strongly.
“Preparations have gone quite well, although we’ve struggled for friendlies in the adverse weather,” he said
“We advertised and got in some good players. I’m confident we won’t make a fool of ourselves! I’m quite encouraged, but I don’t think we’ll be setting any targets this year. We want them to enjoy their football. We’ve got nothing to prove, no rivalries so let’s just see where we end up.”
They face Orkney, and native Orcadian Firth added: “I know their manager and mentality. It’s good to see them on the up. We beat them last year, but they are quite capable of inflicting some pain on you.”
