FC Thistle retain the Forres and Nairn Welfare Football Association League in their second year
An all-conquering amateur football team celebrated the season’s end with players’ awards and a day out in Inverness.
Having won five Forres and Nairn District Welfare trophies this summer, FC Thistle celebrated the achievement by naming their top players in the Thistle Bar before hitting the pubs in the city.
Player-manager Barry Stables is particularly proud of his squad after winning the Forres and Nairn Welfare Football Association (FNWFA) League for the second year in-a-row - his side won 15 of 16 league games, drawing the other one.
He said: “Our success comes down to the team spirit in our squad. We don’t train, we simply meet up once-a-week to play a game, socialise and keep fit - winning is just a bonus.
“I fill the water bottles and name the team - I can’t take much credit at all!”
FC Thistle also won four cups this summer, namely: the FNWFA Cup, 4-0 v Auldearn; the Calum Riddell Cup 4-3 v Auldearn; the McIntosh Rose Bowl 6-0 v Elgin Thistle; and the Highland Welfare Cup 3-1 v Methlick.
“It was disappointing to get knocked out of the Scottish Welfare Cup in my absence,” added Stables, “but our aim was then to go on and win the Highland Cup. Winning against a strong Methlick team that were unbeaten in all completions was a highlight of the season.
“We had tough games to make the final, including a superb away win against Invercairn who were favourites going into the competition. The lads showed unbelievable fitness and determination to win.”
Charlie Beck was Thistle’s Player’s Player of the season, with 33 goals and eight assists.
Young Damian Niedzwiedz was Management Player of the Year.
Adis Jaganjac was the Most Improved Player and James McLaren was Top Scorer with 55 goals.
Stables proudly reflected on his squad’s “brilliant” individual and team goals throughout the season.
He said: “James McLaren was a great addition to the team and proved once again that there’s not many local lads that can put the ball away as often as he does.
“Unfortunately we’ll be loosing Damian Niedzwiedz next season as he takes on a new challenge. He was last season’s Player’s Player of the Year so his will be a huge hole to fill in our squad.
“Damian is regarded as one of the best players in the league and he’s capable of playing at a much higher level. We wish him all the best in the future.”
FC Thistle hope most of the remaining teammates return to challenge again next season.
“We’re looking to add a few new faces,” said Stables, “and hope to introduce some young lads to get the squad average age down!
“Our aim next season will be to defend each trophy and go one further by winning the Scottish Welfare Cup which we’re more than capable of doing so!”
