Wilson sets sights on silverware as new season looms
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WICK Academy might not be able to match their rivals’ spending power, but the manager said they can match the rest of the Highland League in terms of talent.
That was the battle cry from Barry Wilson as the Scorries prepare for their three warm-up games at Harmsworth Park ahead of the new season.
Starting against Livingston tomorrow night, Academy will also face a Ross County XI on Saturday and Inverness Caledonian Thistle next Wednesday as the manager pulled in a few of his old club connections to prepare them for the North of Scotland Cup match away to Golspie Sutherland next weekend.
Despite only finishing four points off top spot last season, Wilson said this year will be an even harder task for the club as he admitted Wick can’t spend the same money as other title hopefuls.
But he still believes he has one of the best starting 11s in the league and is determined to bring back some silverware to the trophy cabinet which has remained empty since Academy joined the league in 1994.
"It will be an uphill struggle for us to compete in the same way last season as the task is a lot harder," he said.
"Brora, Cove, Formartine, Inverurie and Nairn have spent a lot of money in strengthening their squad, we do not have that luxury and have to play with the hand we’ve been dealt with.
"Despite not having the same strength in depth, the lads have gone through one of the hardest pre seasons they’ve experienced and they are ready for the challenge.
"I will be looking to bring in a few new faces for the start of the season, but success for us will be winning a trophy, whether that is the league or a cup."
Livingston, who have played warm-up matches versus Dinamo Bucharest and Wolves, will bring up a young squad tomorrow night as the west Lothian outfit aims to give as many of their squad a run out ahead of their first division campaign.
Wilson was at Almondvale between 2000 and 2003, during which the club finished third in the SPL and played in the UEFA Cup, beating FC Vaduz of Liechtenstein before going out to SK Sturm Graz of Austria.
Wilson said he would be giving three trialists a run out at Harmsworth Park, but would only name John Pickles, brother of James as the only possible signing that will take the field tomorrow night.
"John has impressed us so far and I plan to take another look at him during the friendly before deciding if he is a player we will take on," he said. "I have no idea how Livingston will approach the match but I imagine they will bring up a young team and it will be good test for us in preparation for the new season." Tomorrow’s match kicks off at 8pm.
