Lovat boss Gallacher leaving after three years

Fraser Gallacher, the manager who steered Premiership club Lovat to two Camanachd Cup finals, has told the Kiltarlity club he will step down at the end of the season.

The departure of Gallacher, who has been in charge for three years and led the club to runnersup spot in the 2017 and 2018 Camanachd finals – losing both to Newtonmore – poses a problem as Lovat’s committee begin their search for a successor.

John Whyte, Gallacher’s assistant, is also stepping down to focus on coaching the under-12 and under-14 teams.

Fraser said:”There is no way I can commit the amount of time necessary to staying on as manager.

“I am self-employed with two children and another due in January, so it makes sense to step away from the game.

“I’m not saying I would refuse the chance to manage the club in the future, but it just isn’t feasible next season due to pressure family and work commitments.

“We have four Premiership games remaining and I intend to step down after our final match at home to Oban Camanachd on October 12. My successor will take charge for the annual Lovat Cup match with Beauly on January 2.”

Gallacher, who succeeded Allan MacRae, has been a popular figure and club president John MacRitchie and his colleagues had hoped he would continue.

In the 2017 final Lovat were pipped 3-2 by Newtonmore at Inverness, and the Black and Whites returned to the final again last year, to be beaten 3-0.

Lovat are keen to make an appointment before Gallacher’s swan song.

One potential candidate could be Jamie Matheson, brother of internationalist Greg.

Matheson has been successful in his first season as second team manager, taking them to second top of the North First Division, scoring 50 goals in 14 games, and becoming Sutherland Cup runners up last month.

Fraser Gallacher