Acting boss Stewart is set to keep going with Kilmallie double-role

Kilmallie have failed in a bid to find a new team manager and acting player-boss Martin Stewart is now set to lead the Caol club into the new year and new season.

The Canal Park club, which narrowly avoided relegation from the Premiership last autumn, launched an appeal on August 22 for applications for a manager to replace John Stewart, who quit in February.

But two months later, the cupboard remains bare as far as candidates are concerned and Martin Stewart, who filled the managerial gap on the eve of the aborted season in March, but who wants to continue playing, remains in charge.

Stewart said: “Things have gone quiet and it appears there weren’t any applications. I don’t want to see the team stuck, so I’m willing to continue in the double-role.

“I’ve no assistant, but that’s something I’m keen to change.

“I’d like to get former manager Duncan Kelly involved. He has work pressures, but when available he could be an invaluable help.”

Stewart revealed Kilmallie, Fort William and Highland League football club Fort William have got together to try to ensure the use of the Lochaber High School allweather facilities this autumn and winter.

He said: “There appears to be an issue with the pitch’s availability due to coronavirus restrictions, but we’re in joint discussions with High Life Highland, who own the facility, about making it available as soon as possible.”

Kyles Athletic, meanwhile, have confirmed Duncan Kerr has been appointed as manager for next season.

Kerr quit playing to take charge for the 2019 season, but this year his only Premiership fixture fell victim to the weather.

Mick Harrison, secretary of the Tighnabruaich club, said: “Duncan deserves the chance of a second full season and he has accepted an offer to continue in charge. We won’t begin pre- season training until January, but Duncan has the green light to plan ahead.”

Kyles made a major investment 18 months ago on drainage for their often- flooded pitch and have been undertaking further enhancement.

Harrison said: “It’s playable right now and you couldn’t usually say that at this time of year. It’s very encouraging.”

The friendly between Glen Urquhart and Fort William was postponed on Saturday due to the Drumnadrochit pitch being waterlogged by overnight rain.

Fort co-manager Victor Smith said: “It was called off at 9.30am, which was understandable, but still a major disappointment.

“We had a big squad available and it’s a pity our run of fixtures has been interrupted.

“The reverse fixture is scheduled for An Aird this weekend and it would be our first home game since last year. The players are desperate to be back playing on their own pitch.”

Martin Stewart, left, in action for Kilmallie.