Forres Thistle Junior Football Club want to ‘unearth gems’ at open trials and open pathways to bring success at Logie Park
Do you think you have what it takes to play football at Scottish junior level?
If so, Forres Thistle are offering the opportunity for players of all ages to earn a place in their team for next season’s North Region Championship campaign.
Recently appointed co-managers Barrie MacDonald and Derek Theman are committed to driving the Logie Park club forward after finishing third bottom last term.
They are set to announce the signing of a former Highland League player and are holding open trials next month to offer a chance to an up-and-coming player, or an experienced campaigner looking for their next venture.
“It’s for people who think they can play at this level,” Theman said. “There’s no pressure on them, and we’ve not got any age restrictions.
“Maybe people aren't confident enough or a bit embarrassed to ask if they can come to train or whatever. Maybe they just want to try something different.
“We will welcome them to come down and see what they can do. Maybe we will unearth a gem or two.”
The trials take place on the evening of Tuesday, June 10 at Jags’ Logie Park ground and anyone is welcome just to turn up, or speak to Theman on 07856276930 if they want more information.
The initial session may be followed by another later that week depending on numbers, and won’t be held with the existing squad of player who don’t begin their pre-season training until June 14.
Former Auldearn FC management team Theman and MacDonald first took charge at the end of March, and in their first game they led Forres to the club’s first victory in six months with a 2-1 cup success over high-flying Hall Russell United.
Results have been mixed since then, with the co-bosses determined to act by building a stronger squad and spearhead a much-improved effort next season.
One target is to sign ex-Forres Mechanics youth Ben Ross and they are also preparing to unveil an unnamed former Highland League campaigner as a Jag over the coming weeks.
“In our last game of the season against Cruden Bay, we got beat but we were starting to see signs of what we’ve been implementing in training,” Theman added. “We passed the ball really well and we’re just needing boys to come in and help our squad even more, maybe just to freshen things up and add a bit more energy.
““We know we’re better than what the table says but we need to prove it now.”
The managers say they have had positive talks with former Forres Thistle players about possibly returning to the junior scene.
And they have spoken with Forres Mechanics’ head of youth development Allan Frosken about building up a good relationship with their Highland League neighbours.
“We’re looking at a three-to-five-year project really. It might not happen straight away but we’re going to see a pathway eventually for the Mechanics’ 18s to Thistle, and then back to Mechanics if they continue to develop.”
