Positive start to Fort FC’s pre-season

FORT William Football Club’s pre-season preparations are going well compared to last year.

Last year’s pre-season saw the team decimated when three Fort players moved to Nairn County.

In total, nine players left last summer and the team vowed it wouldn’t happen again. Fort manager Ally Ewen told

The Oban Times: ‘The rebuilding process was tough, as we went through an abundance of players last season trying to get the right mix.

‘We now have more than 20 players on two-year contracts.’

The Fort boys have come back fighting this year.

They defeated Welsh side Porth Tywyn Suburbs 10- 0 and Scottish Ladbrokes League One side Alloa Athletic 3- 0 away from home.

Ally continued: ‘The players have been working extremely hard and we want to be out of the bottom three.

‘They have bought into my plans and can see where I aim to take the club.

‘My target is to be 10th in the league. I said it when I joined and people laughed, but I am developing a team that is improving.

‘They work hard, rarely miss training and want to win, and I cannot ask for any more than that.

‘Last season we just missed out on 15th place and only had ourselves to blame. We need to see out games and stop shipping sloppy goals.’

The manager also said that he feels he is three or four players away from ‘a very good side’.

Fort William start away to Deveronvale football club and Ally said they are looking for an early win.

‘It would be great to start with a win. It won’t be an easy task, but there are no easy games in the Highland League.’

The club’s vice- chairman, David MacDonald, added: ‘There is a great feeling of optimism around the club and if we can hit the ground running, then it could be a very good season.’

Pre-season games continue with a trip to Perth on Saturday July 23 to face Kinoull Juniors.

The Fort will open their league campaign in Banff on Saturday July 30, with their first home game on Saturday August 6 against Fraserburgh.