Clachnacuddin's history inspired new manager Conor Gethins – who reveals he turned down the Grant Street Park hotseat four years ago
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Conor Gethins has revealed he knocked back the Clachnacuddin job in 2019 after much soul-searching.
The Irishman’s appointment this week, bringing to a close an illustrious career with local rivals Nairn County, was a move more than four years in the making.
The Lilywhites courted interest in Gethins before Sandy McLeod’s eventual appointment.
“I was offered the job a few years ago and thought long and hard,” Gethins said. “In the end, it wasn’t quite right. To take a step like that you need to feel everything is falling into place.
“This time, it has all come together and I’m delighted to take on the challenge.”
Gethins had been in Scotland for little more than three years in 2004, when Clach last claimed the Highland League title under Merkinch hero Robbie Williamson – an 18th triumph in their illustrious 138 year history. Just three of those successes fell in post-war years, but Gethins, long-term, is eager to re-establish Clach as a force in the north game.
“I’ve always been aware of how big a club Clach are in the Highland League, even when I first came to Scotland with Ross County,” Gethins said. “We would play them in pre-season friendlies and North of Scotland Cups and you feel the history about Grant Street Park.
“There is a good, loyal support, albeit we would like to get more people through the gates. The Clach fans were always harsh on me, although I like to think I gave as good as I got!
“Away from matches, I would chat to them and have a laugh. It was good-natured. Its a proper community club at the heart of Merkinch.
“I’ve been thrilled by the way the players have responded in the first training sessions.
“In fairness, Blair Lawrie and Martin Callum did really well as interim management. We will be looking to play football in a style that gets people talking about Clach and, we hope, brings in the fans.”
With goalscorer James Anderson injured longer term, Gethins intends to keep playing at 39. Six goals in 11 games this season suggests he has plenty to offer on and off the park.
As a baptism, Peterhead – another one of Gethins’ old clubs – away in the Scottish Cup is tough, but the new manager added: “It’s a tough test, but nobody expects us to win. I want us to go there and play with confidence.”
