Maroons gear up to name new manager ahead of coast trip
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KEITH FC are poised to have a manager in place for tomorrow’s Highland League visit to Lossiemouth.
The club was due to set the seal on the appointment last night (Thursday), with an announcement due tomorrow.
Chief executive Andy Troup said caretaker boss Jim Stables would be in charge at Lossie, but he expects the new manager to be there.
“I’m certain we will have the right man to take the club forward from the work started by Gordon Winton and Jim,” said Troup.
“The new manager will definitely bring something new to the table. We had seven candidates and it has come down to a couple, and the whole process has been very encouraging for the club, giving us great hope for the future.”
Troup revealed that he will be having talks with Jim Stables about taking up another position at the club.
The former assistant manager to Winton, who quit last month because of work commitments and disappointing results, led the Maroons to a 2-0 victory over Deveronvale last Saturday and then an under-strength squad to a gutsy display at Wick on Wednesday night.
Troup said: “Jim has great enthusiasm and commitment to the club and we would like to hold on to him in some capacity. He has done a great job in these last few weeks.”
Stables was relieved to be back on the winning trail on Saturday, and gave some of the credit to a new batch of fans – around 80 women who were attending a sponsored ladies’ day at Kynoch Park.
“They helped bring some atmosphere to the ground and it was appreciated by the players, who commented on it. It helped raise our form, and the players worked hard and showed what they are capable of.”
Craig Cormack broke the deadlock in 33 minutes, in a frantic penalty box scramble which saw three goalbound shots blocked. The wide midfielder finally despatched the ball into the roof of the net from 10 yards.
A rejuvenated Mike Ewan added a second just before half-time, diving to head home a cross from eight yards.
Returned loan players Scott Johnston and Finlay Stables – son of Jim – also showed up well in a much improved team performance, and they will join others in trying to impress the new manager.
Six players were unable to make the marathon trip to Wick and youth players were drafted into a squad of just 14. The home side led at half-time and added a couple of goals in the second, the first of which was at a centre of offside claims.
Keith will need to show the form of last Saturday in going to Lossie, who are on an impressive run at the moment.
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