Ex-Scotland boss praises Thurso Football Academy after kids' coaching event

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish praised the work of Thurso Football Academy when he attended a children's coaching event followed by a dinner in the town.

McLeish was joined by ex-Rangers defender Marvin Andrews and coaches from Rangers Soccer Academy.

More than 100 youngsters took part in coaching sessions at the Naver all-weather pitch which were split into three age groups – 3-5, 6-9 and 10-15. The players of the camp were Aria Dewhurst and Harvey Henderson (3-5), Brodie Swanson and Thomas Nicholson (6-9) and Angus Mackay and Rory Hollas (10-15).

More than 100 people attended the sold-out dinner in the Weigh Inn. McLeish talked about his playing days with Aberdeen, an obvious highlight being the European Cup Winners' Cup triumph in 1983, and reflected on his time as Rangers boss with the last-day title drama of Helicopter Sunday in 2005 being his most "spine-tingling" moment.

Andrews, who played for a number of clubs and earned 101 caps for Trinidad and Tobago, was a guest for the dinner.

McLeish is Scotland's fourth most capped player, having won 77 caps. He has managed Motherwell, Hibernian, Birmingham City and Aston Villa as well as Rangers.

McLeish said: "I had a terrific stay in Thurso with Marvin Andrews and was delighted to see Thurso Football Academy in full swing going through the age levels. Alyn Gunn [Thurso Football Academy's head of coaching] and his team deserve great credit for providing the lovely venue for the local youngsters, not forgetting two great young Rangers coaches, Allan and Connor, putting on the sessions for the enthusiastic and excited kids."

Alyn Gunn said: "As part of Thurso Football Academy's 10th year celebrations it was fantastic to be able to welcome a Scottish footballing legend in Alex McLeish to Thurso. It was 17 years in the making from when I first asked him to come north and I am delighted with how both the football and the evening event went.

"Marvin was a guest for the event. He never fails to disappoint and everyone was delighted with him.

"It was important for us as an academy to put this on after the recent cancellation of our Newcastle coaching event which I'll provide information on new plans in the coming days. I'd like to thank all sponsors who supported this event – it wouldn't happen with their continued support of the academy – and also our organising committee, compere Derek Manson and Kevin Tait for use of the PA system."

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