McMorran set to resign as Fort William FC manager
Lochaber lose but bag a bonus point Lochaber boxers looking forward to further success
The Claggan Park faithful were rocked this week with news that Fort William FC manager Russell McMorran intends resigning from the role.
McMorran’s last game in charge will be the away game to Wick Academy on January 4, after which he will concentrate on his recovery from his well-documented battle with PTSD.
In a statement issued yesterday (Wednesday), club chairman Peter Murphy said McMorran has had a massive impact on the team during his year in charge. reached the second round of the Scottish Cup, holding Albion Rovers to a draw away from home and reaching the semi-final of the North of Scotland Cup.
Murphy said the club will begin the hunt for McMorran’s successor in the coming weeks.
McMorran told the Lochaber Times this week it had been a great honour and pleasure to have taken control of the team, firstly at the end of last season on an interim basis and then to have been appointed manager for this season.
‘Having seen where the club and players were at the end of last season and to see where they are now is extremely positive and confirms that the club is moving in the right direction,’ he said.
‘I have been fortunate to have been in control of the team this season when we have got rid of the title of “Britain’s worst team” having picked up wins in both league and cup completions.
‘It was a humbling experience to take the team to the semi-final of the North of Scotland Cup, only to be beaten by the overall winners, and to take the lads to Coatbridge to play second division side Albion Rovers in the second round of the Scottish Cup, where we earned ourselves a replay at Claggan Park … memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
‘My struggle with PTSD is well-documented and something that I am open about, which hopefully raises the awareness of the illness for people who are suffering like myself and hopefully to give others an understanding of the effects it has on people.
‘I am grateful for the support that the club and the players have given me throughout my time here, and without them my recovery may have been scripted along another path.
‘I find my self in a position now where my health is in a better place and as such I have taken the decision to resign from my position in order that I can now concentrate my recovery around my family, especially at this time of the year.
‘This decision has not been taken lightly, but it is something that I felt was the right time and thing to do.’
McMorran said the team have the ability to finish clear of the botton of the Highland
League this season. We currently sit at the bottom of the Highland League, still with seven games in hand.
‘This means that most teams at this time are half way through the season.
‘Looking at the progress we have made, we are sitting in a better position points wise, with more goals scored and fewer goals conceded than last season.
‘I have no doubt that whoever my replacement is will have a great squad of local and loan lads to work with and they will finish off the bottom of the league this season.’
And looking ahead to this Saturday’s game away to Keith, he added: ‘If it beats the weather, we have a full squad to choose from with the exception of Gabriel Hastings who is out with an ankle injury and John Treasurer who is out until the end of the season.
‘It was a close game last time we met at the start of the season with the injury to John Treasurer proving to be the pivotal moment in that game.
‘The lads have their Christmas party on Saturday and, all being well, it will start at 4.45pm on Saturday with three points in the bag.’
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