Keith Loades Reflects On His Time At The Helm At Kinlochshiel. | |
15 January 2011 Keith Loades reflected on his time in charge at Kinlochshiel in a recent interview with the Cuillin FM Saturday Sports Show. Loades, who steps down after a 3 year period at the helm which ended with Balliemore Cup success, said. “I’ve had 3 years managing the Kinlochshiel first team and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” Loades led the side with co-manager Johnston Gill and he said, “Working with Johnston has been an absolute pleasure. I think we get on very well and we tried to make the right decisions. We didn’t always get it right but we tried our best.” Shiel have played some attractive shinty on the park in recent seasons and their star forward Finlay MacRae was one of Scotland’s top players in the recent international double header against Ireland. “All the players were tremendous to work with,” said Loades. “I just can’t speak highly enough about these guys and the effort they put in.” Loades has reluctantly stepped down because of increased work commitments. “I live in Inverness and it’s not easy to get to Kirkton for our weekly training sessions as my work commitments take me all over the country. As much as I’d like to carry on, I think it would be selfish of me to deprive someone else from getting involved and doing what needs to be done at the training.” Johnston Gill now takes full charge of the team although he is believed to be looking for an assistant. Loades has no doubt that the side’s recent success will continue. “I’m handing over to the right man and I’m sure Johnston will do a tremendous job.” However Loades has not completely cut his ties with the team that he starred for in his playing days and when he won international recognition. “I’m not bowing out completely as I’ll still be a member of the Shiel management committee and I’ll do whatever I can to help the club in the future. I’m sure Johnston and the boys will represent the area well in the future.” When Cuillin FM Saturday Sports Show presenter Drew Millar asked what we should expect from Shiel in 2011, Loades said, “A wee run in the cups would nice, especially the Balliemore Cup which is for Marine Harvest North and South Division 1 clubs. We would take promotion to the Scottish Hydro Premier League if it comes along but I do have concerns that it would put a strain on our players and in particular their availability to travel to away games.” Kinlochshiel will start the 2011 shinty season a one of the favourites to win the title and promotion to the Scottish Hydro Premier Division. |