The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Kilmallie off-field hat-trick
Shinty: Macdonald, Cameron and Macpherson give relegated club big lift
Kilmallie have been given a triple boost in their bid to bounce back to Premiership shinty at the first attempt.
Former international Liam Macdonald and key player Liam Cameron, both of whom missed virtually the whole of the season, have revealed that they are to make comebacks and play regularly in next year’s National Division.
In addition, manager Mark Macpherson, after considering quitting following the club’s relegation, has been persuaded by players to carry on.
Macdonald, who is 27, was a Scotland regular and scored a spectacular goal against Ireland in 2015.
He took this year off from playing because of work commitments, though he did help out at the end of the season.
His excellent technical ability was missed.
Cameron, too, has been a fine player and also ruled himself out through getting married and pressure of work.
Macpherson revealed: ”The two Liams have now assured me that they’re available to fully commit to next season, which should make a major difference to our team as we chase a return to the top flight. Any team would miss players of their calibre.”
He added: “Their return should be a real morale booster to the club and supporters.”
Macpherson has been pondering his own future but he said: “I’ll now be carrying on after discussions with players and the club.
“There is such a pressure of time and commitment involved and when we suffered major unavailability issues late in the season it was certainly in my mind to call it at day.
“But after a couple of weeks of rest, I’m happy to give it another go. However, assistant manager Martin Graham has told me he wants to concentrate on playing next year and I fully appreciate that.
“Club legend Peter Jackson is still with us but I need someone else to come in with fresh ideas to add to our approach. I’m keen to make this appointment as soon as is reasonably possible.”
“The two Liams have now assured me they are able to fully commit”