Shinty: Skye stunned as manager Kenny MacLeod steps down

Skye Camanachd have been rocked by manager Kenny MacLeod’s resignation ahead of their Mowi Premiership fixture at Oban Camanachd.

MacLeod has stepped down after 14 months in charge and while the Islanders have had a difficult start to the season, injuries, suspension and player unavailability have been mitigating factors.

Kenny MacLeod’s reasons for stepping down are closer to home though.

He said: “Every shinty manager will tell you that leading a team is a massive commitment.

“I’ve given it my all over my two spells as manager and I’ve enjoyed it enormously.

“However, I also run my own business, and we’ve taken on additional work lately.

“The inevitable thing that happens is that family life begins to suffer as do other commitments outwith shinty because there’s just not enough hours in the day to do everything.”

Assistant manager David Taylor and fitness coach Iain Urquhart will lead the side and have James Morrison free of suspension whilst William MacKinnon’s fit again. However, John Gillies misses out with an ankle problem.

Skipper Daniel MacVicar returns for Oban Camanachd and their assistant manager Iain MacMillan said: “We missed Daniel’s presence against Inveraray last week and Ross Macmillan played for 25 minutes in that game so should figure again this week. Calum Macmillan remains out injured and Ross Campbell’s very doubtful.”

Cormack faces late fitness test

Kinlochshiel and Newtonmore meet for the second successive Saturday, this time in at Rèaraig and both could have key players back.

Shiel manager Willie MacRae said: “Conor Cormack will go through a final training session and I’m hopeful he’ll pass fit. I need to decide whether Archie MacRae’s ready to return and who goes in goal with keeper Josh Grant unavailable.”

More boss Peter Ross added: “Craig Ritchie should return, and I’ll make a late call on Iain Robinson. Euan Dingwall’s still a week away though.”

Kingussie manager Ronald Ross spoke ahead of Kyles Athletic’s visit.

He said: “Rory MacKeachan’s missed the last few weeks as he recovers from a knee injury and he’s still a few weeks away.

“Robert Mabon is out after picking up a knock last week whilst Calum Grant and Dylan Borthwick are both struggling with a knee injuries. We’ve a big squad though so it’s an opportunity for others to impress.”

Kyles boss Grant Profit said: “I won’t have Murdo Macrae nor Innes Macdonald, but Somhairle Thomson and Jamie Forgrieve return. It seems whilst one hand giveth, the other taketh away.”

A step into the unknown

Caberfeidh’s clash with Col Glen at Castle Leod could be the first between the clubs.

Manager Garry Reid said: “I think I may have faced Col Glen when I played for Glenorchy, but that seems a lifetime ago. No one at Cabers can remember ever playing Col Glen, so this may be the first game between the teams.

“Seamus Henderson picked up an injury last week and will miss the next few weeks. Logan Beaton, Ben Macdonald, Russell MacKenzie and Taylor Condon are also out but Farquhar MacRae’s set to make his first team debut, with Fraser MacDonald and Reece Houston stepping up from the second team after impressive performances.”

Lochaber’s Gregor Cameron and Calum ‘Roy’ MacDonald both picked up costly bookings in the win over Skye, triggering one-match suspensions so miss the derby against Fort William.

Jack Dignan should return whilst manager Ally Ferguson will check on Seonaidh MacDonald’s ankle injury. Fort’s Victor Smith returned from a hamstring injury last week but was withdrawn before half-time with what seemed like a recurrence.

The Ferguson Transport & Shipping Balliemore Cup first round pairs Lovat and Aberdour. Glasgow Mid Argyll welcome Beauly and Inveraray, without the suspended Ross Montgomery, host Strathglass.

WCA Premier League leaders Badenoch visit third-placed Skye on the back of a 5-0 win over Glasgow Mid Argyll when Zoe Reid scored twice.

Sarah Yoxon’s hat-trick helped Skye beat Glenurquhart 9-0, making them the league’s top scorers with 22 goals after just four games.

[Source: Press and Journal]