New dawn for Fairmuir in Violet partnership

AFTER linking up with junior side Dundee Violet, there has been plenty of off-field changes for Fairmuir over the summer.

However, what hasn’t changed is the newly-named Fairmuir Violet’s desire to develop talent.

Fairmuir FC entered into a partnership with Dundee Violet JFC and both sides have already reaped the rewards with six players signing deals to play youth and junior football.

Youth players Brendan Howett, Ryan Bannon, Robbie Gallacher, Ryan McLaren, Ryan Scobie and Cammy Henderson have signed dual contracts which allow them to also play for Violet in the SJFA East Region.

Fairmuir Violet U/19 head coach Scott McMurchie insists the agreement benefits both parties.

“We’ve got six guys with the juniors as well now,” McMurchie said.

“The majority of them were with us last year.

“It’s about managing their game time. The lads are playing at a higher level and it improves them playing with guys that have lots of experience.”

As they gear up for the new campaign, Fairmuir have drawn both of their pre-season outings.

On Sunday they played out a 3-3 tie with Forfar West End U/19s at Graham Street— Gallacher, JJ Reid and a trialist were on the scoresheet.

They faced Coupar Angus U/19 on Tuesday and again the sides couldn’t be separated at 2-2. Scobie and a trialist scored for Fairmuir Violet.

Despite the draws, McMurchie is not concerened about l ast season’s treble winners but admits they need to adjust to jumping up an age level.

“We brought a lot of guys in so it takes a bit of time,” McMurchie said.

“But we are still playing some good football and they are doing alright in training.

“It will take a bit of time for them to get used to playing at a higher level.”

With the season opener against Ferry on Sunday, McMurchie is remaning pragmatic about their chances this time round.

He said: “We are just looking for the guys to maintain their standards. If it comes to the end of the season and we are at the latter end of the cup competitions then we deal with that then.”

Fairmuir Violet U/19 (orange) played out a 3-3 draw with Forfar West End at Graham Street on Sunday.

Robbie Gallacher, JJ Reid and a trialist scored Fairmuir’s goals in the draw with Forfar West End.

Dundee West U/19 (lighter blue and red) squared off with Coupar Angus U/19 at Charlotte Street last weekend.

In U/11 football, DUSC (tangerine) took on St Andrews at the Craigie 3G.

Fairmuir Violet’s U/11 played Ferry (yellow) at Dawson Park.