Summer football call from Logan
Coupar boss says changes would help
Local junior games have been wiped out for the past two weeks. Inset Coupar Angus boss Logan McConachie Coupar Angus manager Logan McConachie believes changes are needed after junior football in Perthshire was wiped out for a second consecutive week.
Frozen pitches were the order of the day across the county as temperatures plummeted and the Foxhall Park gaffer reckons summer football is the way forward.
McConachie knows supporters will be reluctant to turn out in great numbers when the weather is harsh and he wants that to change.
He said: “With our second game cancelled in as many weeks, the outcry has already started for a whole list of changes to our game.
“That ranges from more all-weather football pitches, cheaper winter training facilities and the biggest of all - summer football.
“I agree with most that the more 3G football pitches we have in the area, the better. The forever changing climate in Scotland means that no matter the weather, we should be able to get a game on.
“The cost of winter training facilities were a problem, but I do feel clubs are getting smarter and are using alternative methods.
“For example we’ve been playing futsal, which has been great on developing individual technique and is a good tool for teaching counter attacks. Other clubs hit gyms, swimming pools and even the odd dance studio.”
A similar set-up to how the Scottish women’s league currently operates would be a sensible option, McConachie says.
“I’m not for the season starting in the summer,” he explained. “I want the season to be the same as the women’s league, with it starting in the middle of March and ending in October, plus a couple of weeks break in June.
“This change of season would be beneficial in a number of ways. There would be less cancellations, reduced costs on training facilities and another big hitter, income generation.
“With midweek games being held on spring and summer nights, we would be more likely to pull crowds in to watch games.
“That’s instead of fans wanting to sit in and watch games on the TV because the weather outside is damp and dismal.
“We could all talk for days on this subject, but I think it’s only a matter of time before the big switch happens.”
The Scottish Junior Cup games taking place locally were both called off last weekend - Jeanfield’s home clash with Hermes and Luncarty’s tie against Rosyth.
And in the North Division, also postponed were Coupar’s game with East Craigie, Kinnoull’s trip to Brechin Vics, Scone Thistle’s home match with Arbroath Vics and Blairgowrie’s Davie Park test with Newburgh.
With the temperature rising during the week, there is hope that games will get the green light on Saturday. See page 59 for previews.