Pathway to senior game is still open

IT used to be the norm for players to step up from the juniors to the senior grade.

However, recently the numbers making that step up have diminished.

The most high profile lately has been Kris Doolan, the Partick Thistle attacker having been signed from Auchinleck Talbot when he was 23.

That was eight years ago and Doolan has gone on to net over 100 goals for the Firhill side.

The Angus senior clubs are still plucking players from the local junior leagues with Montrose snapping up Danny Cavanagh from Broughty Athletic, Gary Fraser from Jeanfield Swifts and Dean Brett from Bonnyrigg Rose.

Arbroath sent Kane Hester out on loan to Montrose Roselea where he flourished and he is now back with the Red Lichties, having previously been with Arbroath Vics.

Being Perth-based, Elgin City team boss Jim Weir knows the Tayside junior set-up well and has plundered Jeanfield Swifts for two players.

Full-back Chris Dodd, formerly with St Johnstone, and striker Chris McLeish did very well for the Highland side last season.

McLeish may have thought his chance of going senior had gone as the 24-year-old had been seven years in the juniors before stepping up, having previously played for Scone Thistle and Newburgh.

Jim commented: “Both Chris Dodd and Chris McLeish have done well for Elgin City.

“McLeish has scored a good few goals and they have both proved that you can make the step up from the juniors to the senior grade successfully.

“There are other players in the Tayside juniors who can do well in the seniors. Some more could get the chance to step up if they keep producing good form.”

Dodd was previously with St Johnstone and has proved that patience can pay off. Just after signing for Elgin last year he said: “My aim for the last two or three years has been to play at the highest level I can. Now that I’m in my mid-20s, I feel the time is right to make the jump again to the senior game.”

MARK Brash got his reign as Blairgowrie manager off to a winning start as they beat Balmoral Amateurs 3-1 at Davie Park.

Among the scorers for Blair were James Simpson and Gary Axworthy.

The Berrypickers have signed midfielder Jack Dempster and striker Corey Gray from NCR Amateurs.

Blair’s next game is against Alyth Amateurs at Davie Park on Saturday.

MONTROSE Roselea have appointed James Collier as their new manager.

Violet boss Ralph Henderson (third from left) is pictured with some of his new signings (from left) Blair Whyte, Ross McLeary, Jonny McBride, Gavin Thomson and Bradie Heggie.