Whitehills thrashed 25-0 by Dundee North End in Scottish Junior Cup as new manager Craig Stewart reveals “massive task”
A newly-appointed manager whose team were on the end of a 25-0 thrashing in the Scottish Junior Cup wasn’t “overly shocked” by the result.
Ex-Deveronvale boss Craig Stewart accepted a “massive, massive challenge” when he took charge of junior side Whitehills just days before their cup clash with Dundee North End.
Stewart and assistant manager Ernie Milne only watched one training session before offering to step into the dugout for Saturday’s 25-0 hammering.
But just from that session, experienced Highland League boss Stewart knew his new team - who conceded 62 times in six North Region Junior Championship matches before his arrival - would be in for a long afternoon.
He said: “I’m maybe shocked by the amount but not shocked by a heavy, heavy, heavy defeat and that’s just having seen training and the commitment and fitness levels of most of the boys.
“Up against a very, very good side, I can’t say I was overly shocked.
“In terms of fitness and commitment, you get out of football what you put into it and they got out of that game what they have put into this season.
“Not just the boys playing, but also the boys that weren’t there. There is a commitment level that we won’t be willing to work with looking forward.”
Stewart, who left Deveronvale in March, was persuaded to return to football management to help a local club that was “very, very close” to folding.
He understands “raised eyebrows” but said he couldn’t sit back and watch a club on his doorstep fade away.
“Whitehills have struggled for a long time and are going down a road that could see them fold,” he said. “That’s not something I want to see happen, being from the area.
“There are a number of people that work really hard for the cause. It’s only right that the club is kept going.
“Had it been a team outwith the area, I wouldn’t have entertained the idea, but I still see a place for Whitehills in the juniors.
“So I decided to take it on. I understand there are a lot of raised eyebrows - but with a bit of time, I’m confident we can turn it around.”
Stewart may be confident of turning things around - but he and assistant Milne, who used to manage Deveronside, are well aware of the size of the task in front of them.
A total turnaround in the playing squad is likely, with many weeks and months of hard work expected before Whitehills are celebrating victories again.
“We are going in with our eyes open,” Stewart added. “It’s a massive, massive challenge - but one we are ready for.
“It’s not a quick fix or an overnight thing. There are many weeks and months of hard work ahead.
“We need to put our own stamp on the team. There will be a total rebuild of the squad - that’s the plan.
“But it’s important we keep it going first and foremost.
“Whitehills have got a stigma about them and struggle to attract players. We need to add quality and players that are committed to the cause.
“We need to change the commitment level. It’s not okay to miss games here, there and everywhere and pick and choose when you turn up. That’s how you end up with very poor results.
“Most of the boys will get an opportunity to show what they can do, but quite a few will realise that they can’t give the commitment level we are after, and that’s fine. Ultimately they will fade out the picture.”
Stewart’s first official game in charge is a league match against Burghead Thistle on Saturday.
The Jags were 2-1 winners in the Scottish Junior Cup - defeating Westdyke Community Club Juniors.
Elsewhere, Dufftown were thrashed 12-1 by Ayrshire side Troon, but there were good results for Islavale, who beat St Anthony’s 2-1 in Glasgow, and Deveronside who beat Stoneyburn 3-2.
Forres Thistle’s match was abandoned due to a ‘severe’ injury with the Jags losing 7-0.
