Lovat management duo step down
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For more shinty news, including changes at the top for Inverness, see today's Inverness Courier
The often postponed match will be transferred to Beauly if Kilmallie’s pitch fails an inspection.
MacRitchie hopes to be at full strength for the game, although long-term injury victims Fraser Gallagher and James Grieve are still sidelined.
"The commitment of the players has been excellent despite the on-off nature of this fixture."
"If the lads play to their full capability I am positive we will win," he said. "It has to be a victory as a draw leaves us in difficulties.
Ahead of tomorrow’s match MacRitchie simply labelled it as the most important game of the season and hopes that the players can do themselves justice.
Both intend to stay on as committee members and perhaps take on coaching roles with the club’s impressive youth system.
"I am convinced that without the injuries we would have done OK in the league, but we are where we are and the boys have it in their own hands on Saturday to take the points which will make sure of our survival," he said.
Their efforts this season, however, have been dogged by injury to key players such as Drew Howie, James Grieve, Fraser Gallagher and Euan Ferguson — all first choice picks and each of whom have endured long-term problems.
In 2007, they were awarded the manager of the year accolade and have twice guided the club to Premier Division promotion.
The duo have moulded together a group of young players, taking them to the brink of success at the top level.
"Managing a Premier Division team is a huge commitment — up to four nights a week — and after seven years I felt it was time to recharge the batteries."
"A new voice in the dressing room if you like and we both wish Allan every success.
"After seven years we both felt that we had begun to stagnate and that the players would benefit from an injection of fresh ideas," he said.
Speaking after the meeting, MacRitchie said that the decision to step down was a joint one with Gallagher.
His first match in charge will be the New Year challenge for the Lovat Cup against old adversaries Beauly. An assistant to MacRae has yet to be confirmed.
The pair made the decision to step down at Wednesday night’s annual general meeting with former player and reserve team coach Allan MacRae taking over the reins.
ONLY a day before their crucial relegation battle in the Scottish Hydro Premier Division against Kilmallie, Lovat’s managerial duo of John MacRitchie and James Gallagher have confirmed that tomorrow’s match will be their last in charge of the club.
