Clach looking to lower leagues for talent
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IAIN Polworth will continue to try and unearth potential stars from the lower leagues as Clach cannot compete financially with the bigger clubs in the Highland League.
Scott Morrison, Martin Callum and Paul Brindle all joined the Lilywhites during the close season having previously played their football in the North Caledonian League.
Clach manager Polworth is also not adverse to taking in players from the Inverness Welfare Leagues, insisting that these are the levels the club has to operate at following its emergence from administration.
“We have to look at young players who have either been released by Caley Thistle or Ross County, or are playing in the North Caledonian League,” he said.
“We can’t afford to pay mega signing on fees or transfer fees, so we have to be very aware of what’s round about us in terms of the Inverness Welfare League or North Caledonian League as there are avenues that we can explore.”
Polworth, however, hopes that the progressions made by former forward Stuart Leslie can help attract the areas best young players to join Clach.
Leslie signed the Merkinch club after being freed by Caley Thistle and after two successful seasons in which he scored 32 goals, won himself a move to Third Division Elgin City last month.
“You look at Stuart Leslie and how he has moved on from us to Elgin,” said Polworth. “It shows we can offer young players that chance.
“If they play regularly then they can develop and move back up the leagues again.”
Clach face Elgin City at Grant Street Park tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) just three days after losing 2-0 at home to Ross County
“I watched Elgin when they played Caley Thistle and I thought they were top quality,” said Polworth. “They made Inverness work really hard for their victory, so it will be a difficult one for us once again.”
