FAMEACADEMY:BOSSMcKENNATO

Wick Academy manager Tom McKenna is hoping for an improved campaign from his team.

The Scorries finished seventh last term but McKenna felt his team did not win as many games as they should have.

He said: “Last year we had a season that was more progressive than successful, overall it was a season of inconsistency.

“We did well against the top six teams but we struggled to gain points when we should have.

“Unfortunately we don’t have the financial support which others enjoy and that gives those teams an advantage in a league like ours.

“We will again be relying on the players we have who continue to serve the club well, an experienced squad full of quality, who all pull together and are extremely ambitious.

“With the club’s fantastic youth structure we will promote from within again, the young lads coming through are very promising prospects.

“We’ve been scouring summer football in Caithness to hopefully find a diamond in the rough and we do have three or four targets.”

Looking ahead to the new season, McKenna said: “Like all managers and clubs we have goals which I believe are achievable, without the need to put unnecessary pressure on the players.

“I’m looking forward to the season ahead and couldn’t imagine enjoying it with any other group of players.

“It’s even more special as it will mark Gary Manson’s 20th season in the Highland League, quite a remarkable achievement.”

McKenna expects a more competitive league following Cove’s promotion to League 2.

He added: “Cove’s departure provides an opportunity for certain clubs to maximise their financial budgets to enhance their squads, therefore putting them in a stronger position to compete for the league.”