Skye Camanachd Boss John MacLeod Leaves Post | |
07 November 2016 Skye Camanachd first team manager John MacLeod has confirmed that he will stand down from the post. MacLeod took the helm at Skye Camanachd in 2014 when the team had reached a low ebb, dropping to shinty’s third tier. The went on to win the Marine Harvest North Division 1 title in his first season in charge before going on to defeat Marine Harvest South Division 1 winners Ballachulish to gain promotion. MacLeod’s side also lifted Balliemore Cup that season, again overcoming Ballachulish, as well as reaching the Camanachd Cup semi-finals before losing out to Glenurquhart. Skye’s main objective in 2015 was to win promotion from the Marine Harvest National Division and they did just that, only dropping one point in the process of clinching the title, to earn top flight status for the first time since 2002. Skye’s first season in shinty’s top division ultimately ended in relegation. However the Islanders competed well, winning two and drawing eight of their eighteen fixtures. The mid-table was incredibly tight with only three points separating fifth placed Kingussie and ninth place Skye Camanachd. MacLeod informed his players after the defeat to Newtonmore in their final fixture of the season last weekend that he would be standing down and he also informed the club’s committee of his decision. Skye Camanachd Chairman Douglas MacDougall said, “We are disappointed to see John go but totally respect his decision which, in fairness, was always based on a 3-year management plan where he indicated that he would step down after that period. The club is indebted to John for his commitment to youth and senior shinty over several years and it is obvious that we have many individuals throughout several teams who are better players because of his endeavours. We also have our club name on numerous trophies and have had a taste of Premiership shinty which is a standard we will return to. There are very few who will understand the amount of work that goes into planning for a game and the amount of time taken up with calls and messages. The club would also like to thank John’s wife Dorothy for her patience and support. We wish John all the best for the future and no doubt will see him as an eager and vocal supporter on the side-lines next season.” Skye Camanachd’s Annual General Meeting takes place in early December. However the task of sourcing a new manager is delegated to the club’s committee and they hope to have MacLeod’s replacement in post at the earliest opportunity.” |