Forres Mechanics manager 'disappointed' after online criticism in the wake of Shaun Cameron departure
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‘SURPRISED and disappointed’ is how Forres Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald felt after reading online criticism of his transfer policy.
Mechanics were convincing 4-1 winners in Inverness against Clachnacuddin on Wednesday.
Goals from Lee Fraser (2), Sam Nixon and Calum Frame gave the Can-Cans a much-needed three points.
While that result will have pleased fans, many voiced their displeasure just days later when it was announced that youngster Shaun Cameron had left the club to rejoin junior side Dufftown.
Some claimed their season tickets would be handed back in, and took aim at MacDonald and his coaching staff for not giving young boys a chance.
MacDonald read the comments and admitted to feeling disappointed.
He stressed that Mechanics – who fielded a full team of players aged 22 or under on opening day this season – are dedicated to youth, but wished youth players would be a bit more dedicated to the club in the long-term.
“We had a good relationship and I enjoyed having Shaun at the club,” he said. “But it was only half a season.
“Everyone wants more minutes. I get that. But this is a young lad moving from juniors to Highland League.
“Shaun showed a lot of promise and was making improvements, but this was never a case of taking him in and playing 90 minutes every week.
“People are turning it on me and saying I’m not giving them the opportunity, but we are. You’ve got to be patient and the time will come.
“It seems to be the modern way – that boys are not willing to give it the same period to learn.
“We had a similar one with Harvey (Henderson). They are both great lads with great attitudes, but it’s frustrating that boys aren’t willing to give it more time and want instant minutes.
“We put in a lot of effort and tried hard with them so it’s demoralising to see what people think about that.”
MacDonald added that the saga has left him questioning his policy of signing so many young players.
“I like developing youth and giving boys an opportunity,” he said. “We are one of the youngest teams in the league so it’s ridiculous to say we aren’t trying to work with these boys. It makes me think twice about whether it’s the way to go.
“We are trying to build a club for future, but if players don’t have patience for more than half a season you wonder if there’s any point pursuing this way to build a club.
"I’m not ruling out ever going for 17 or 18 year olds again, but it does make me doubt whether boys want it the same.”
Forres are aiming to build on the Clach win against Formartine United at Mosset Park on Saturday.
“It was good to win again and it was good to show we can finish a game off and get a few goals,” MacDonald added.
“We were hoping to get the game on Saturday against Wick on and get momentum with back-to-back wins and that’s still the aim against Formartine. We are hoping to build on that Clach win.”
Forres will have new Nairn County loanees Sam Gordon and Ben Kelly available.
