Caithness looking to Bowl over Sutherland in football match in Castletown
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TOM McKenna is confident that he will have a squad good enough for Caithness to defeat Sutherland in the Portland Bowl.
Select teams from both counties are set to go head to head in the special match which kicks off at Back Park in Castletown at 3pm tomorrow.
In addition, Caithness Under-18’s are set take on Sutherland under-18’s tomorrow at Ham Park in Dunnet at noon.
McKenna, who is the manager of the Caithness First Division outfit Castletown, as well as Caithness Ladies in the Highlands and Islands League, also took charge of the Caithness men’s team when they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Orkney in the Archer Shield earlier this month.
He says he is still not decided on his final squad going into the clash against Sutherland as he looks to see who is available.
But he is confident whoever he chooses to represent Caithness will be good enough to claim victory and keep the Portland Bowl in the county.
“I am in the process of assembling a team together, but unfortunately there will be players missing who were in the team for the match against Orkney,” he said.
“I am contacting a few players at the moment so I can finalise a squad in time for Saturday.
“I’m sure that we will have a decent squad in place in time for the match against Sutherland.
“It is a competition which has not been competed for in the last few years and this is a new one for me.
“It is a game which people are trying to reintroduce and it is one that I am looking forward to.”
McKenna says taking charge of three teams at the same time is not an issue with him.
As well as trying to guide Castletown to Caithness First Division safety along with leading Caithness Ladies to their first Highlands and Islands League Cup final, he just loves being involved in the game.
“I just love football,” McKenna says.
“I was out the other night and somebody came up to me and asked me how I do it. People ask where do I find the time and I always tell them that I love coaching football.
“I just enjoy being part of all three teams.
“If I am able to help develop individuals or a team and try and help them move forward, then that makes everything worthwhile for me.”
McKenna says the excellent surface at Back Park will make for an entertaining game.
“The facilities at Back Park are fantastic and the playing surface there is unbelievable which is why so many teams enjoy playing there.”
