Caithness on lookout for new first-team coach after Russell's departure
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Caithness Rugby Club is on the lookout for a new men's first-team coach after Kenny Russell stepped down.
Other members of the coaching team will in the meantime take charge of training and select and oversee the squads for matches, starting with Saturday's home encounter against Highland Seconds.
Russell's position became uncertain after a rift emerged between him and several members of the committee.
He absented himself from the last Caledonia Region League 1 north conference match away to Ellon pending a clear-the-air meeting with club president Frank Bremner once the latter returned from a holiday.
The president wants to correct "the misconception" that there had been "a disjoint" between Russell and the committee.
In a statement released on Sunday, he said: "After a meeting yesterday morning with Kenny, a very positive discussion was held that highlighted and corrected some miscommunication between both parties.
"Kenny has at all times been extremely well thought of and a valued part of the club but understandably for the immediate future he wishes to take some time out and also prioritise some time with his family."
Bremner added: "The door has been firmly left open for Kenny to return at any point in the future and we would thank him for his immense contribution to the club.
"Going forward, we will, of course, be looking to fill his vacant role and we do have a contingency plan that will be revealed over the coming weeks."
Asked who is in charge of the squad in the meantime, he replied: "All the coaches are chipping in. We have just appointed [former player] Roddy Gray as team manager and we are bringing in help in specific areas from [ex-coach] Tommy McGee, though he will only be in an advisory role."
Bremner said the club has enjoyed significant growth in player numbers over recent years, with rugby having now returned to almost every school in the county. That, he said, has required a growing pool of volunteers and he said the club would welcome anyone wishing to become involved.
Russell, who had a 17-year stint with the club, had been given the full support of the players after "absenting" himself during the fall-out.
This week, he said he was happy the issue had been resolved as amicably as it could have been.
He added: "I would wish the players and the club every success both on and off the pitch. I have enjoyed my 17 years with the club and will now be their biggest supporter from behind the fence at Millbank."
The Greens are still chasing their first point after three successive heavy defeats, all away from home.
They face a tough task on Saturday with Highland Seconds having won two and lost narrowly to league pacesetters Moray in their three outings.
Caithness are boosted by the return of scrum-half Euan MacDonald but Gordie Macleod was added to the casualty list after a knee injury sustained in Ellon.
Skipper Hamish Coghill is also missing as he is on his way back from the amateur rugby world cup where he has been guesting for Oban Lorne.
