St Duthus sign Inverness Athletic trio as they take on Nairn County Colts on opening day of North Caledonian League
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
St Duthus have made a number of new signings ahead of their North Caledonian League opener at Nairn County A tomorrow.
The Tain outfit has obtained the services of former Inverness Athletic trio Connor Smith, Lewis Smith and Paul Gair for the new campaign, which starts at Riverside Park on Saturday afternoon.
They have also managed to maintain the majority of last season’s squad as they look to challenge for the title.
Manager Stuart Ross says the trio arriving from Athletic will help boost their quest to win the league for the first time in their history.
“To have those three coming into the squad is a good combination of youth and experience,” said Ross.
“Paul has been around the block a few times and has seen it all and done it all, so he will be a good addition for us in there.
"Connor was named as young player of the year at Inverness Athletic last season and he has been showing up well during pre-season too.”
Speaking about targets for this season, Ross is adamant being in the running for the title is what they are aiming for and believes they are capable of doing that.
“Breaking into the top two or three places is what we want, and stay among the top for the whole season.
“We have been thereabouts for the last few seasons, so we are looking to build on that.
“Doing well in the cup is something we want to do as well, as we have won some over the last two or three years.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s match at Nairn County A, Ross expects a tough encounter, but having played them during pre-season is confident he can set up his team for victory.
“We played them three weeks ago and it is a difficult surface at Riverside.
“We know that we will be taking on a well drilled side as their manager Stuart Finnie has got them playing well.
From the pre-season game, both teams probably got something out of that match.
“We learned a few things from the game, but we know what to expect.
“They are a well organised team who are really fit.
“They are young, energetic and a dangerous side to play against.”
