Swifts set for league challenge,says Ross Jeanfield boss reckons squad ready for midweek fixtures
Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion insists he has the depth of squad required to pull through an upcoming hectic fixture schedule.
The Riverside men have been at the forefront of winter call-offs with midweek games through the Easter period now a certainty.
Despite the backlog, Gunnion is sure that his players will be up for the challenge and believes it can even inspire them to piece together a positive run of results.
“We’ve been managing to keep ticking over as best we can but, as it is for every team, it’s been a frustrating winter,” Gunnion told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“The next three months are looking incredibly busy as we have 12 Saturday’s remaining and a minimum of 15 games still to play.
“So we’ll undoubtedly be involved in midweek games.
“But rather than looking on this as a negative I think it can work well as players build up momentum and confidence.
“We also have the depth and talent within the squad to deal with a hectic playing schedule.”
First up for Swifts is an away trip to Sauchie Juniors on Saturday afternoon following the postponement of the same fixture last weekend.
Gunnion expects to face a confident home side and said: “Sauchie are going to be a tough proposition. Gunnion has full faith in his squad as players get ready to enter a hectic fixture schedule
“That is especially on their own pitch where they’ve picked up some excellent results lately, in particular beating Lochee United.
“They have improved since the start of the season and have made themselves tough to beat first and foremost.
“We have to ensure we make sure we’re prepared and determined to get a positive result.”
In the North Division, a Perthshire derby is penned in the diary at Brownlands Park as Coupar Angus, weather-depending, make the trip to Luncarty.
Coupar boss Logan McConachie will travel with a strong squad at his disposal.
He said: “We are all praying that the snow will thaw out but I would be extremely surprised if Brownlands Park will be playable.
“We’ve been fortunate that we’ve managed to get quite a bit of training during the poor weather.
“We’ve also arranged a 7s tournament for the weekend just in case the bad weather is responsible for another wipeout.
“Squad-wise we’re in a good place with only Alex Gibb missing who’s suspended.
“We’ll likely have two new signings in the squad too, who will add extra quality and experience.”
Elsewhere in the North Division, Kinnoull host Arbroath Vics, Scone Thistle travel to Newburgh and Blairgowrie now welcome Forfar Albion to Davie Park.