Fraser Gallacher Is New Lovat Boss | |
10 January 2017 Fraser Gallacher has been confirmed as the new manager of Marine Harvest Premiership side Lovat. The Balgate side has been on the hunt for a new boss since John MacRitchie announced his intention to stand down at the end of last season. Gallacher patrolled from the touchline as he watched his new charges lift the Lovat Cup with a 5-2 New Year win over Beauly at Braeview Park. He was a notable player for the club and he has previous experience taking the Lovat second team in 2012 and standing with the firsts when MacRitchie has been unavailable. Gavin Heath, who previously worked with Glenurquhart, will provide fitness training, taking over in that role from Paul Mellis. John MacRitchie, who was a previous co-manager with James Gallacher at the club, took sole charge at Lovat ahead of the start of the 2015 shinty season, replacing Alan MacRae who resigned after 3 years in charge. The highlight of MacRitchie’s reign was undoubtedly the Camanachd Cup win later that year. Lovat’s 2016 season was blighted by injury. They eventually finished seventh in the Marine Harvest Premiership. Their Camanachd Cup defence ended at the first time of asking, losing out to Newtonmore. However they showed their ability by beating Newtonmore in the Artemis MacAulay Cup quarter finals before losing out to eventual winners Kinlochshiel in the last four of the competition. Newtonmore were also Lovat’s opponents in the 2016 RBS MacTavish Cup where the Eilan men won 3-0 in the first round. John MacRitchie will also continue in his role as Lovat President as the club look to erect a new clubhouse facility. Lovat also confirmed that Darren Urquhart has been appointed second team manager, taking over from Martin Bell. Urquhart was Lovat second team assistant manager last season. |