Signing boost for Clach
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CLACH boss Iain Polworth has hailed the return of Struan Scott-Woodhouse as like “signing a new player”.
The popular defender has missed the last two seasons while recovering from a serious knee injury but has re-signed for Clach ahead of the new Highland League campaign.
Scott-Woodhouse tore his anterior cruciate ligament against Rothes two years ago and after numerous doctors visits, an eventual operation and painful rehabilitation, he is ready to go again.
He trained with the Merkinchers last season but was not fit enough to make a comeback. However, he could slot in to the vacancy left by retired skipper Gordon Morrison at the back, which will hand Polworth a timely boost before the new season gets underway later this month.
“Struan re-signing is like bringing in a new player,” he said. “He’s a top quality player and gives us greater strength in depth, which we need to do better than last year.”
Polworth has also brought in youngster James Beatson from Ross County, a former team-mate of ex-Clach man Mikey Grimes.
“James has showed up really well in training,” added Polworth. “He’s a midfield player who wants to get on the ball and make things happen. We’re still looking to add two or three more, with a goalkeeper being one of them.”
Clach played their first pre-season friendly at the weekend against Amateur League side Ardersier and take on Caley Thistle at Grant Street Park on Sunday. They will play Inverness City on Wednesday and Polworth hopes to get a couple more games, against either amateur or junior opposition, pencilled in before the league opener against Buckie Thistle on July 30.
With Morrison the only player to leave the club, Polworth has the rare commodity of a settled squad and hopes this can bode well for the new season.
“It’s massive to keep the squad intact. Stuart Leslie will be better with a full pre-season under his belt, as will Colin Maclean,” said Polworth.
“The aim is exactly the same as last season: to finish in the top half. If we stop losing the stupid goals we did last season then I’m sure we can do better.”
