Relegation not on the agenda for Greens
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"Under no circumstances do we get relegated." That is the defiant blast from Caithness team manager Garry Anderson.
The Greens have had a season of turmoil that has seen them fall into a relegation scrap, having to forfeit two matches due to lack of playing numbers and have a head coach depart from the club.
Caithness lie second from bottom in the National League Three table on two points, one ahead of Carrick and four behind West of Scotland who hover above them in the "safety zone".
A year and a half ago, there were scenes of delight as the Greens achieved promotion to the National League set-up for the first time.
However, a drop back down to the Caledonia League is a real possibility unless Caithness can dig out some results – starting on Saturday away to Hillhead/Jordanhill.
Anderson said: "We do not want to be in the Caledonia League next season. Under no circumstances do we get relegated.
"Rest assured that's not from a financial angle but from a playing point of view.
"We want to be playing at the highest level that we can and right now we want that to be at National League Three next season.
"Having come from the Caledonia League not so long ago, the level and commitment there is very poor with games being cancelled.
He has an uplifting personality and the players responded to that.
"I know full well that someone will retort that we've had to do that on two occasions this season but we're going to strive to ensure that never happens again."
Moves have already been made by the Greens to do something about their run of injuries.
Kenny Russell, a strength and conditioning coach employed by the Scottish Rugby Union, will be helping out Caithness on that front as and when he can.
Anderson added: "Kenny will be giving us a hand when he is free to do so and he's already had a positive session with the players.
"He has an uplifting personality and the players responded to that positively. Hopefully with the new advice and exercises he has passed on, the boys' fitness will be improved upon."
A huge injury list has been the bane of the Greens' life so far this season but Anderson had some good news for fans on that front.
He continued: "We're a wee bit short in numbers for this weekend but it's hopeful that Kris Hamilton, Grant Anderson, Gordy Macleod, Ben Parker and Evan Sutherland should be returning to action over the next couple of weeks.
"However, our captain Marc Anderson will be back which will be a welcome boost.
"For Saturday's trip to Glasgow, we're also looking to get some of our south-based players on board to face Hillhead/Jordanhill.
"We are still keeping our recruitment drive open as we do need more numbers to help us cope with injuries and players missing out through their work.
"We know we need results to come our way quickly – especially as it looks like our rivals Orkney could be getting promoted to National League Three so we don't want to get relegated and be passed by them. However, we will be giving it a good shot in our bid to stay up."
National League Three fixtures
Saturday, November 2 (all kick-offs 2pm)
Berwick v West of Scotland
Greenock Wanderers v Carrick
Hillhead/Jordanhill v Caithness
Lasswade v Ardrossan Academicals
Murrayfield Wanderers v Perthshire
Strathmore v Howe of Fife
