Double delight for Sapper's manager
THE MANAGER of the Forres and Nairn Welfare League (FNWL) double-winning football team says his side were pushed to the limit during their first season in the north.
Kinloss Sappers manager, Scott Roy, also spoke of his pride after two of his squad picked up player of the season awards following the team’s league and cup wins.
"We feel honoured after playing against some great sides," he said. "John Watson and Jacob Taylor picking up the League Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year Awards respectively was a nice touch too."
Scotty put his side’s success down to their passing ability and fitness, and claimed that they are one of the strongest within the British army.
"We never kick the ball long," he said. "We always start from the back and play through the pitch with confidence in our team mates ability to receive it under pressure.
"We are also a fit group of men who work extremely hard for each other."
Kinloss Sappers were impressed with the organisation and standard of the local welfare competitions, many of their players having played at high levels in civilian life and at the top of military football.
"There is an excellent set-up here which allows a lot of guys to play football throughout the summer," said the double-winning manager.
"It’s a great idea which we haven’t really seen anywhere else."
Sappers lost just three times over the course of the season with the last of those defeats at the end of June.
"The physical and professional backgrounds that come with being an active army regiment played a major part in the Sapper’s success as the season progressed," said FNWL secretary, Matthew Young.
"They consistently produced results when it mattered."
The FNWL organisers ensured that the season was a success with an increase in the number of clubs taking part.
"2013 was a strong and successful season for us," added Mr Young. "We hope we can continue building on it and welcome all eleven teams back for the 2014 campaign."
Read the full story in this week's "Gazette".