Oban Celtic To Field Two Teams | |
25 January 2018 Oban Celtic have made the ambitious decision to field two teams during the 2018 shinty season. Former Oban Celtic player Alan Duffy and Les Kinvig will manage the newly formed Oban Celtic colts in what is a hugely positive move by the club. It has been a number of years since Oban Celtic has been able to field a second team in the league – the previous time is believed to have been during the 1999 / 2000 season - and club Chairman Davy Hamilton acknowledged that it was a big commitment for the club. “Yes, it’s a big step,” he said. “It’s a lot to organise and it’s a big commitment financially but we will take one step at a time to get the side established. “The team will compete in Marine Harvest South Division 2 next season but not in the cup competitions. We are not looking to win anything but just to get the boys playing regularly.” Oban Lorn won’t be fielding a side this coming season and several of their players will line-up in the new side. Hamilton added, “A few of the Oban Lorn boys will transfer across but the new side will also give the younger players a chance and that’s important. “Training is indoors at the moment but the hall isn’t big enough to take both teams so we’ll do it over two nights until we can get the whole squad together outdoors. We haven’t yet arranged any pre-season matches for the new team as things have only really developed over the last couple of weeks” Facilities are important and whilst the new team will play out of Ganavan in the main, Oban shinty boosts four sides as well as youth and ladies teams. Hamilton said, “A new pitch is a possibility as some work has taken place to extend a field in Connel. With so many teams playing shinty in Oban, it is something that is needed but, realistically, it will probably be next season at least before it comes to anything.” Oban Celtic first team manager Kenny Wotherspoon was also enthusiastic about the development. “It’s definitely a good thing for the club,” he said. “Last season, we were the only club in both Marine Harvest National Leagues that couldn’t call upon a second team for players. “The prize for them is to earn a call up to the first team so a pathway is now there. “I will have nothing to do with the running of the second team; I’ll leave that to the boys who are taking the reins and I’m sure they will do a good job.” Oban Celtic are scheduled to play their first pre-season friendly at Mossfield this Saturday. Kilmory are the visitors and throw up is at 1pm. |