Kinlochshiel Boss Reflects On A Successful 2011 And Looks Forward To 2012 In Shinty’s Top Flight. | |
10 December 2011 Kinlochshiel boss Johnston Gill spoke to Cuillin FM on Saturday 10 December 2011 and he reflected on his team’s performance last season and looked forward to the 2012 campaign in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division. Speaking to Drew Millar on Cuillin FM’s Saturday Sports Show, Gill said, “There were a few highlights last season. The day in Portree when we beat Skye to win the league was a highlight and that win was a relief for us. Also taking Kingussie to extra time at the Dell and beating Premier Division teams Glenurquhart and Lovat was great. I was also pleased that we beat Beauly at the end of the season with six changes to our side including the introduction of some of our younger guys.” “The first two games of last season were important for us. We beat Caberfeidh and Beauly and that got us off to a great start. The home game against Skye was very tight and you can’t predict these local derbies because the boys in both teams do everything they can to win the game.” Gill was asked about the pressure that could have affected his side as their unbeaten run extended. “The pressure built up as our unbeaten run grew but that experience will be good for us next season in the Premier Division where we will know what pressure is all about.” The Kinlochshiel players acquitted themselves well throughout the 2011 campaign and Gill has no fears in this department. “Our players are good at looking after themselves; both attending the club training and doing individual training themselves. Many of our games have been tight until half time but our fitness has told in the last 15 minutes of games. We probably have six boys who work away but they are self-motivated and they train well on their own. I don’t have any fears that way.” Gill acknowledged that it had been a good season for the Kirkton side. “Bert Loades reckons that it could have been a number of years since we have scored so many goals in a season. We are pleased with the number of goals we scored and they came from all over the park including the midfield too. However I must say that forwards Keith MacRae and Finlay MacRae scored more than their fair share.” Looking ahead to next season, Gill said, “I envisage more injuries and suspensions in the Premier Division as it is harder and faster. We have had the same players available most weeks this year and I don’t think I’ll have that luxury next season. We have some good young players with our U17s and they are doing well. I think some of them might be a year away from the first team so if we can stay in the Premier Division this time then we could have a lot of players pushing for a place in the first team the year after.” “We’ll be battling with a number of teams to survive and if we can stay ahead of at least two teams, then we can push on the year after. The Premier Division is getting closer and no one will go to the likes of Glenurquhart, Lovat and Kinlochshiel and think they are going to get it all their own way.” It won’t be long now until ‘Shiel know their opening games. Gill said, “The fixtures should be out around the beginning of January and it would be good to get off to a good start with a couple of good results. That gives you confidence and builds you up for the rest of the season.” Gill also paid tribute to the work done by others at the Kirkton club. “Colin Fraser and Murdo Fraser have done a good job with the second team and the youths and their work ensures that there are enough players for the first team.” |