Scorries come first over Groats if fixture pile-up happens
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Wick Academy's new co-manager Stewart Ross has assured fans that the Scorries will come first if the Highland League campaign extends into the county league season.
Previous boss Tom McKenna had spoken in the past of his worry that the number of match call-offs would spill over when the summer football competitions begin.
A number of Academy players have featured for Caithness AFA teams in summers gone by and this year will not be any different.
Ross is also the assistant manager of Wick Groats, who last year achieved a clean sweep of CAFA honours as well as lifting the Highland Amateur Cup for the fourth time in seven years.
However, should the weather continue to thwart Academy in fulfilling their Highland League card on schedule, Ross will have a call to make.
He said: "If such a scenario happens then Academy will take precedence.
"It used to be a problem when I used to play for Wick Academy. County league games usually take place during the week but if a fixture fell on the same Saturday as a rearranged Wick Academy fixture, Academy would come first.
"I'll still be involved with Wick Groats this year as I've already committed to them this summer.
"I still play for them as well as helping out on the coaching side and we've already begun training ahead of the new summer season."
Ross also revealed that he had touched base with defender Michael "Joe" Steven, who earlier this season decided to take a break from football.
He added: "We've made contact with Joe – as we have with all our registered players, whether or not they're currently playing.
"Obviously there is something to work out but we'll see how discussions will pan out."
Ross – who as a midfielder made 196 appearances for Academy, scoring 18 goals – has been appointed alongside Gary Manson until the end of the season.
As for beyond that, Ross admits that's up to how well he and Manson do in the remaining fixtures.
He said: "This is basically a trial period, not just for myself and Gary but the club as well.
"Whether we extend our stay or not as co-managers depends on a lot of issues – results for one."
- McKenna: 'I'm gutted with the decision I had to make'
- McKenna quits as Wick Academy boss
- Highs and lows of Tom McKenna's spell at Harmsworth Park
