Bobby Beckwith named new Rothes assistant after Jim Walker steps back from role
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ROTHES have announced that Bobby Beckwith will be the club's new assistant manager, taking over the role after Jim Walker stepped back due to family commitments.
Walker was with the club for four years and celebrated some of the most successful years in the Speysiders' history, winning the Highland League Cup and North Cup with manager Ross Jack.
Jack said: "Jim has been a great colleague over the last few years and will be sadly missed.
"We took Rothes to second in the league and winning the League Cup and North Cup were massive achievements that he had a massive part to play in. He will be remembered for a long time by the fans.
"Bobby and myself worked together at Elgin and Turriff for nine years, and he helped out a few games last year. We have worked closely together previously so know how we operate and what makes us tick
"He stepped back due to ill health but he's fighting fit now and raring to go. I'm delighted to have him beside me. He's a highly-qualified coach and will earn the respect of the players."
Beckwith will be in the dugout on Saturday for the visit of Lossiemouth. However, manager Jack won't be as he serves a suspension for a red card picked up against Brechin City two weeks ago.
"I'll be in the stand but there are ways we can communicate," he said. "I was shown a red card for protesting Brechin's second goal. The video evidence shows I was right, but officials are human and make mistakes.
"From what I can gather and from the reports I have had, Lossiemouth a very hard working and Frank McGettrick has got them fighting for each other and producing good performances.
"The draw against Banks O' Dee at Spain Park will testify to that and they made things tough for Brora and Nairn, apart from the second half where sloppy goals cost them.
"There are no gimmies in the Highland League so we will need to ensure we don't get caught cold, prepare for a right battle, overcome it and play the football that has got us wins."
Rothes will travel to Brechin City in the Scottish Cup on September 23, looking to avenge the 2-0 defeat to the Glebe Park side in the league last time out.
Jack added: "I was watching the draw live and thought 'here we go again'.
"But there have been plenty of shocks over the years in the Scottish Cup. Every year there is a surprise.
"We played them in the league and, despite losing 2-0, gave a very, very good account of ourselves. When they down to 10 men it suited them and we found it tough to break them down."
Rothes have a few injury concerns going into the Lossiemouth match, with Ross Jack still working on getting new bodies in the door. There is also good news on Aidan Wilson's injury, which isn't as bad as first feared.
Jack added. "It's severe bruising to the knee and he has trained very well for the last week and a half. He may feature on Saturday.
"Gary Kerr has a groin injury and Alan Pollock has been out with a viral infection. Kyle Whyte is still toiling and there are one or two niggles.
"Just when you think you have a full squad these things happen, but we are no different to any other team in the league."
