Daniel MacLennan is Clach's Wizard of Oz after spell Down Under
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REJOINING Clach was a no-brainer for Daniel MacLennan.
The powerful forward left for Australia this year but following the end of their domestic season, has returned home to the Highlands and made his first start back at Clach against Stirling University on Saturday.
MacLennan played in the New South Wales State League for Wagga City Wanderers and Prospect United, finishing the season with six goals from 14 games, while taking jobs as a brick-layer and a blind-fitter.
He kept in touch with Clach boss Iain Polworth while he was away and landed back in the United Kingdom 10 days ago. International clearance did not come through in time for him to face Rothes the day after but he started in the Scottish Cup tie against Stirling University this weekend, with Clach going down 2-1.
However, MacLennan wants to make an impact during his time with the Lilywhites, as he does not know if he may return Down Under.
“It was an easy decision to make to come back as Iain was understanding and gave me the chance to go out there,” said MacLennan. “He released me no questions asked, when it could have been difficult at other clubs.
“There was a few clubs interested in taking me in or wanting me to come train with them, but I wanted to repay Iain for what he’d done for me.
“My work situation is a big one, as to whether I go back or not. I have work waiting for me out there, so it may be that I wait and see what I can find here then head out next year.”
The former shinty player, from Fort Augustus, had only previously been to Australia on holiday but had always been keen to go out there to live. The move came about when a number of teams notified the Highland League’s Facebook page that they were looking for players, so MacLennan sent out his CV.
Getting into a routine was difficult, given that teams train either earlier in the morning or in the evening to avoid the intense mid-day heat. Match-days were not so forgiving, however, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 degrees.
It was a positive experience though and he is targeting a step up if he goes back out to Australia.
“I played for two teams in the same league and even though the players at Prospect United were a lot sharper, the standard of the league was only about the same as the North Caledonian League back here,” he said. “I don’t want to stay in the same environment if I go back out – I want to climb up the leagues.
“It took a while to adapt coming from the Highland League and I wasn’t feeling that fit. I couldn’t get used to the heat either – it was 38 degrees on the first day of training. My first game was in 30 degree-heat but when we played our first cup game it was raining, so that felt more like home!”
He was taken off injured on his return, with the Merkinchers going behind to two Dan Fitzpatrick goals in the space of 15 minutes to give Stirling a first-half lead.
Michael Finnis pulled one back for Clach from the spot but they were left rueing another spot-kick miss, however, as Finnis smashed down the middle again but Ryan Marshall stayed central to palm the ball over.
