Changes made as the Jags sharpen up for the 2020-2021 season
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Turriff Thistle are into their fourth week of pre-season training under strict Covid-19 precautions as they prepare for a return to competitive football in the Aberdeenshire Amateur Football League.
Thistle’s previous season in Division One (North) was declared null and void in March, as the pandemic hit hard, with the Jags sitting in third place having several games in hand and poised for promotion to the Premier Division.
Major changes were made during the summer lockdown months with the previous management team of Barry Massie, Iain Massie and Steve Robertson stepping down due to personal and work commitments.
The club, however, were quick to appoint three Turriff Thistle Legends in past striker, Allan Shand, past team captain, Graham Buxton and past goalkeeper, Kevin Duncan to the roles.
A meeting with the playing squad was quickly arranged to allow the new management team to introduce themselves and lay out their plans for taking the team forward.
In addition, the Jag’s committee welcomed new members Elaine Hay, Michael Hay, Adele Duncan and Stephen Ogg with a programme of improvement for the club drafted and the introduction in August of a 50/50 club monthly draw after only one full meeting.
The Jags have also announced their new association with The Kastille Food and Drink Venue as sponsors and official hospitality providers and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.
New home and away strips, based on the old Turriff Thistle tartan design from the 90s, have been ordered and will be sponsored by loyal, long term strip sponsor, Ardinn Homes and Milano’s of Turriff.
Supporters have also had the opportunity to purchase their own replica strips or polo shirts and the club has received more than expected orders.
Thistle’s pre-season training began in mid-August on Monday and Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons however, Turriff United have offered their floodlit training facilities on a Thursday evening to allow the Jags to continue their midweek sessions and the Club are extremely grateful for this kind gesture.
A pre-season programme of friendlies has been arranged for the weeks leading up to the, yet to be announced, start of the season and will be confirmed after the appropriate permission has been granted for them to go ahead.
The first confirmed match will take place against local rivals St. Marnans FC at McRobert Park, Aberchirder on Saturday, September 19, however, due to current Covid-19 matchday protocols, spectators are still not allowed to attend.
A spokesman for the club said: "Turriff Thistle are extremely fortunate that our loyal sponsors have yet again generously provided funds for kit and equipment for the forthcoming season and the team offers its immense thanks and gratitude for this unbelievable gesture during these uncertain times.
"The committee, management team and playing squad hope it will not be long before competitive football is permitted look forward to welcoming supporters, old and new, down to the Haughs to cheer on the “Mighty Jags.”
Mon I Jags!!!
