Fairmuir Violet flying following junior link

THE U/19s President League is one of the most competitive divisions in the DDYFA.

Last season’s joint-champions Ferry Athletic and Forfar West End are both near the table’s summit, but new boys Fairmuir Violet are the league leaders going into the new year.

After completing a domestic clean sweep in 2016/17, Fairmuir linked with junior club Dundee Violet, and Fairmuir manager Scott McMurchie believes the partnership has been beneficial for his young squad.

He said: “Considering that 12 of the squad were born in 2000 and didn’t have a 1999 team to tie in with, I feel we are doing very well.

“We had a fantastic record at U/17 level and we knew we would find it extremely difficult to match that record.

“The link has been invaluable to my players, we feel we are one of the fittest teams in our league and the boys are training with Dundee Violet’s first team twice a week and picking up pointers, advice and game intelligence.

“We found it was beneficial for both clubs to come together and share training facilities, coaching and players. Both clubs are now reaping the rewards.”

While Fairmuir find themselves at the top of the U/19s President League, junior outfit Violet sit second in the McBookie North Division, just two points behind North End, and McMurchie is pleased so many of his players have been used in the first team.

“Twelve of my 16 players have been involved at one stage or another, mainly in pre-season friendlies. There are currently three or four players who have been featuring regularly in North League and cup games and performing very well.

“Most i mportantly is the players are developing well in a short period of time and it is visible when they are playing at both junior and U/19 level.”

With just four points separating the top four, McMurchie knows it will take a big effort from his squad in the second half of the season to repeat the success they’ve had in previous years.

“The league is very competitive, there are five or six teams that will be looking to finish in the top area of the league and are all taking points off each other.

“We have been fortunate to be consistent so far but there hasn’t been an easy game. Each team has different strengths they use well.”

Fairmuir Violet (tangerine) are sitting top of the U/19s President League going into the new year.

Fairmuir U/13s (tangerine) recently lost out in the Scottish Cup to Ferry at the GA Arena.

John Hume, sponsor (back row, centre), Fresh-Jet Ltd presents Maryfield U/14s with new kit.

Fairmuir U/9s receive their end-of-year awards.