The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Delaney quits Lochaber citing player frustration
Danny Delaney has quit as Lochaber manager over what he sees as a lack of commitment by some players.
Former Scotland manager Ally Ferguson has agreed to take over for the rest of the season, beginning with the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup second round tie against Oban Camanachd at Spean Bridge this evening.
“I simply couldn’t get the commitment required”, said Delaney.
“It was frustrating, particularly considering the amount of time I was giving the job. I felt it was time to step aside, but I wish the club well.”
Delaney has guided Lochaber to second in the National Division but the club has gone through a series of managers over the past four years.
Oban agreed to play the tie this evening as half the Lochaber team are guests at two local weddings on Saturday.
Newtonmore will welcome back veteran Fraser Mackintosh and teenager Max Campbell for tomorrow’s Camanachd Cup clash with last year’s runners-up Lovat at The Eilean.
But international attacker Iain Robinson is at a wedding while Arran MacBean is recovering from glandular fever.
“Struan Ross has picked up a knee injury which will keep him out for a while,” said co-manager Norman MacArthur.
“Kenny Ross, outstanding at wing centre last weekend, is on holiday. So it’s a bit of a mixed bag for us as far as selection goes.
“But we played well in last week’s 2-2 home draw when Lovat equalised in the last minute, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Lovat manager Jamie Matheson reports that Fraser Heath, Drew Howie,
Calum Cruden and Lewis Tawse should all return but Lorne MacKay has a knee problem.
Inverness travel to Inveraray in the second round of the Ferguson Transport Balliemore Cup. Caberfeidh colts travel to face Lewis Camanachd in the Highland Industrial Supplies Sutherland Cup second round while Skye tackle Glen Urquhart at Drumnadrochit in the same competition.
Keith MacRae, hat-trick hero seven months ago in Kinlochshiel’s historic Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup triumph in their first final, feels the Wester Ross men are running in to form at the right time as they begin their trophy defence.
Shiel are set for a triple tonic with Jordan Fraser, Conor Cormack and Duncan “WD” MacRae all returning for their second round tie against Caberfeidh at Balmacara.
Keith, whose treble blasted Lovat in the final at Oban, said: “After a disappointing start to the season, when we had a run of difficult fixtures, and a few injuries, we’re returning to form with four straight wins.
“It’ll be a tight tie, but it’s good to play it in front of our own supporters. We’re not looking any further than trying to get the result which ensures we’re in the quarter-final draw.”
Midfield ace Conor Cormack, who won the man of the match medal in last September’s final, is available again as is attacker Jordan Fraser.
The third player missing in last week’s win at Glasgow Mid Argyll, midfielder Duncan MacRae is on the mend after a foot injury and should be fit.
MacTavish Cup finalists Cabers are injury free.
Kingussie, who last savoured Camanachd Cup glory in 2014, have Kieran MacPherson, re-signed from Cabers, in their squad to face Beauly at The Dell.
Teenage goalgrabbers Finlay Maclennan and Euan McCormack will test the home defence but with Fraser Munro and James Hutchinson fit again, Kings start firm favourites.
Fort William who won for the four years up to 2010 have problems for the trip to face 2012 winners Kyles Athletic.
Skipper Arran MacPhee and Calum Shepherd are at a wedding, Jack Fraser is at a different wedding while Patrick MacNeil and Victor Smith Jr are on a golf trip.
In the only tie between National Division sides Skye, the 1990 winners, will be without John Gillies and Martin Pringle, injured in last weekend’s MacTavish Cup semi final defeat, against Strathglass at Portree. Ewen Fraser, who scored for Newtonmore in their 2019 win, leads Glasgow Mid Argyll for their home tie with Bute.