Home   Sport   Article

Thurso manager is aiming higher after 'Jekyll and Hyde' experience of last season





Thurso manager Michael Bremner has brought in a number of new recruits for the 2022/23 campaign. Picture: James Gunn
Thurso manager Michael Bremner has brought in a number of new recruits for the 2022/23 campaign. Picture: James Gunn

Manager Michael Bremner is aiming to lead Thurso to a higher position in the North Caledonian League after their "Jekyll and Hyde" performances last term.

The Vikings kick off their 2022/23 campaign on Saturday with a trip to Nairn, and Bremner will be looking for a continuation of their good form at the end of last season.

However, the squad will be depleted as many of Thurso's players are involved in the Highland Amateur Cup final between High Ormlie Hotspur and Pentland United.

Bremner has strengthened his defensive options for the new season by bringing in Grant and Michael Steven, Andy Hardwick, Owen Harrold and Colin MacRae, while striker Colin Maclean is also among the new recruits.

Conor Trueman and Innes Mackintosh have departed for Halkirk United

“We've taken quite a lot in," Bremner said. "At the end of last season we were struggling for players quite often.

"I've got together quite a big squad, although there are a few that we've missed out on."

After struggling in the early part of last season, and spending some of it in bottom spot, Thurso rallied to end up seventh in what was then an 11-team division. Their last five games brought four wins and a draw.

The Vikings lifted the Football Times Cup in November after previous boss Stevie Reid guided them to the final.

“This Saturday is going to be tough but after that we should be all right squad-wise," Bremner said.

"It's all about carrying it on from the end of last season. It was totally Jekyll and Hyde.

Action from Thurso's final outing last season as striker Marc Macgregor takes on Inverness Athletic full-back Danni Bruce. The game ended 3-3. Picture: James Gunn
Action from Thurso's final outing last season as striker Marc Macgregor takes on Inverness Athletic full-back Danni Bruce. The game ended 3-3. Picture: James Gunn

"I'm not sure what it was like so much before I came in. When I came in it was good to win the cup at the start and then we had a horrible time in the league for a wee while. Then it came good at the end.

“We're hoping for an improvement from last season. That's all I'm aiming for just now – to finish higher."

The league has expanded to include Fort William – relegated from the Highland League – as well as Clachnacuddin "A".

Thurso will have an early opportunity to test themselves against the Lochaber side as they are due to meet at the Dammies on September 3.

“I would imagine Fort William are going to be pretty strong – they'll be desperate to get back up," Bremner said. “The league will be tough again.”

North Caledonian League fixtures for Saturday, August 20: Alness United v Invergordon; Fort William v Golspie Sutherland; Inverness Athletic v Clachnacuddin "A"; Loch Ness v Orkney; Nairn County "A" v Thurso; St Duthus v Halkirk United (all 2pm).


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More