We'll try and win every single game, says Wick manager Gary Manson ahead of tough test at Forres
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Wick Academy manager Gary Manson is expecting a tough test in Saturday's Highland League opener against Forres Mechanics – but insists his team will be going into every match with the intention of winning.
Manson is looking forward to his first full season in charge at Harmsworth Park, having been appointed in July last year. The trip to Mosset Park is one of two away games in successive weeks as the Scorries get their 2021/22 campaign under way.
The Can-Cans opted to pull out of the 2020/21 season because of Covid-19 concerns but Manson knows all about the strengths they possess.
“The closer it has been getting, the excitement has been building so we're looking forward to Saturday," he said.
“It's all well and good doing work on the training ground but you don't really see how well it is working, or how much more work you have to do, until the competitive matches come round. It will be good to see how the boys are shaping up.
"Forres have kept the majority of their squad from the last season that went ahead, and they've added a couple of players as well. They'll be really strong and it'll be a tough test on Saturday – it always is when you go to Forres.
“We're under no illusions, it is a very difficult start for us but it's one we are thoroughly looking forward to. You want to play the best teams and Forres are historically a top-six club.
“It'll be a good gauge for us to see where we are and see what we need to improve on. We'll be going down there for the three points, there is no doubt about that.”
Manson wants to get the Scorries competing around the top end of the table again but has stopped short of setting targets in terms of league places.
“I wouldn't like to set any specific targets, but you're always trying to be the best that you possibly can be," he said. "The sky's the limit, really.
“I'm not setting any targets saying we're going to finish on 80 points or we're going to win a cup or anything like that – you just try and win as many points as you possibly can and then see where that takes you.
“I'm not one for saying 'we have to finish in the top four or it's a poor season'. We'll try and win every single game and see where that takes us.
“That's the way I see football. There's no point in thinking 'we'll settle for a point here or we'll settle for a point there'. You just go into every game trying to win it.
“Obviously you'll get games that are tougher than others, you'll play well in some games and you won't play well in some games. It's just the way football works. But we'll certainly be going into every game trying to win it.”
The new season represents a fresh start for Highland League clubs after the Covid-disrupted 2020/21 campaign which was cut short after most teams had played just a couple of fixtures. Academy lost to Buckie and Brora in the league, and had Scottish Cup ties against Musselburgh Athletic and Cowdenbeath, before it all came to a halt.
“This is the sort of time that we normally start," Manson said. "Last year was a bit strange because we were starting in November. It'll be good to get going again and hopefully we get off to a good start."
Academy will go into their first game of the season without four players who are ruled out through injury.
Andrew Hardwick, Richard Macadie, Ryan Campbell and Brandon Sinclair have all picked up knocks and will miss the trip to Forres.
“We've been quite lucky throughout the whole of pre-season with a clean bill of health, but the closer it gets to the competitive action starting we've picked up a few injuries," Manson said.
“For definite we'll be missing Andrew Hardwick, Richard Macadie, Ryan Campbell and Brandon Sinclair. Then there are a couple of niggles that will hopefully clear up this week and they'll be fine for Saturday."
On the whole, he says, the squad has been "shaping up quite well".
“We've not gone for a massive amount of numbers. I don't believe in having a large squad," Manson said.
“If you do get a bad run of injuries or suspensions then I'm a believer in giving youth a chance – I'm more than happy to dip into the under-18s as and when required because we've got some really good players in that age group."
Academy’s pre-season games included a 3-2 win at Thurso and a 4-0 victory over an Orkney AFA select in Kirkwall before they lost 4-0 to Inverness Caledonian Thistle under-20s at Dingwall on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, Manson (37) is still registered as a player and will take his place in the team if he feels it is necessary.
“I'm still available for selection and if required I have no problem playing whatsoever," he said. "I played in the Orkney friendly and came through that not too bad. I'm still feeling fit enough and eager enough."
