Robert

His Manager, whilst trying to defend him, states that Tokely should not have done what he did. Despite what he’s said, I’ve seen comments elsewhere that the game was not that physical, that Tokely was behaving like a thug throughout the game, and that he embarrassed himself with the way he behaved after the elbow he got in the face, apparently chasing the Western Isles player across the park! It is all very sad given the good job he does with our youngsters. Time for him to get a grip! Anyway, from the P&J: Nairn County boss Steven Mackay defends ‘role model’ Ross Tokely following friendly match clash Video footage went viral over the weekend after an on-the-field incident in Stornoway. Nairn County manager Steven Mackay has defended Ross Tokely after he was caught on camera lashing out at a rival player in a weekend friendly in Stornoway. The 44-year-old Caley Thistle legend was the centre of a storm after a clip from Nairn’s game against a Western Isles Island Games Association team showed the player raise his arm towards Micheil Russell Smith after the host player had scored. Tokely, who strongly denies punching his opponent, is preparing for what he expects to be his final season in competitive football after enjoying his first season with the Station Park club after joining from St Duthus in the North Caledonian League. Mackay is disappointed Tokely has been singled out and claims the player was subjected to provocation during the game before reacting. Teams ate together after the game The Highland League side were 3-1 winners against a Western Isles Island Games Association on Saturday in a game played in Stornoway. County boss Mackay said: “I’m not backing up what Ross did, but Ross has taken a hammering over this and I don’t think it’s fair. “The game was very physical, but we have no problem with that. It was a great test for us. They are a big, physical side. “We found last season Ross can be a bit of a target. Teams can try and antagonise him and wind him up. “In the first half, there was a blatant elbow in Ross’s face. I saw it. “Ross was lying on the ground. He got straight back up. Yes, he was frustrated by it but he got on with the game. “There was another incident where our young striker got elbowed in the face and he had a burst lip. “That aspect of the game was not snipped and put on social media, because it’s not Ross Tokely." “After the game, we all shook hands, because it was a great game for us and we really enjoyed it. We sat down, had a meal together and a laugh and a joke. “Everyone was getting along. These are the things people don’t see or don’t want to hear about as it’s all positive. “We took a lot of value from the day in Stornoway and so did they. This puts a negative spin on it. “I’m not condoning what Ross did. He and I have spoken (about it) and he knows there is a fine line between being aggressive and competitive. “When you look closely at the video, he doesn’t punch anyone. The guy was winding him up all game. These things happen in football. “They scored and (their player) runs towards Ross, who puts his forearm out. I want to be clear – that shouldn’t have happened. He knows that. “The video cuts when Micheil is lying on the ground. But he gets straight up and runs back to the halfway line. This is another aspect people don’t see.” Mackay would have 11 Ross Tokelys Former Ross County forward Mackay stressed the furore only reached the levels it did because Tokely is a high-profile footballer. The Wee County boss also believes there has been a “witch-hunt” against the ex-ICT player, who made 589 appearances for Inverness where he is also a youth coach. He said: “Football is an emotional, physical and competitive game. “I just feel because it’s Ross and with the career he’s had, everyone jumps on this witch-hunt – it can be blown right out of proportion. “No disrespect to my other players, but if it was anyone else it probably wouldn’t even have made social media. “I’m not saying whether that’s right or wrong, but it frustrates me because I’d back Ross every day of the week and I’d have 11 Ross Tokelys in my team – every Highland League manager would be the same. “He’s 44 and yet his passion for football is incredible. He has such a positive impact on our club, our team and on our younger players. “People don’t want to focus on the positives.” Mackay: Tokely still leads by example Mackay highlighted Tokely’s work as a Caley Jags coach as a further example of his positive impact and continued contribution to the game. He added: “As a youth coach at Caley Thistle, he does a phenomenal job. “My son plays for the under-16s and I watch Ross in action and I also see him in training. “He has real passion for the game and he’s articulate. His coach, training and preparation is first class. “Ross is preparing the next generation of players to go and play for Caley Thistle. “I wish some more players had the passion Ross has. He’s actually a fantastic role model for kids. “For my players, the way he looks after himself. He’s out running on Sunday mornings for example, the day after a game. He has great fitness levels. “He looks after his body and let’s not forget he’s 44. “A lot of players throw in the towel at 34 or 35 because they are sick of it. He is still leading by example. “There are a lot of positives about what Ross brings to football. Players who have played at his level sometimes play on the edge and he went over that edge on Saturday. “He knows that, but the positives he brings not just to Nairn County but football in general need to be known.” Tokely, aware Mackay was keen to put his side across, didn’t want to add further to the story, other than saying: “It wasn’t a punch. I just stood my ground.” The Western Isles Island Games Association declined to comment when approached for a reaction. Nairn’s preparations for the new season continue on Tuesday with a home friendly against Premiership side Ross County.

My concern, other than the baggage he carries, is that he flopped at Linfield when he joined them last season, failing to score. He also seems to be injury prone. It is a no from me. I’d rather see whether Cairns or Hennem can be a tall partner for Mckay.

Got my renewal for the Trust today and have renewed. I know there are mixed feelings on the Forum but, for me, the greater the membership the greater the opportunity for it to be listened to. I know money is tight right now, but £5 is a small price for membership.

Great news. What we need now is confirmation that the Lafferty talk is just nonsense!

Not got mine yet. Was told it would be posted out. I may call at the stadium later in the week if it hasn’t arrived as I will be in the vicinity.

The video wasn’t private when I viewed it. Basically he wiped someone out with a left hook off the ball in a pre-season friendly. Not good at all.

This:

The Nairn game is £5. Tickets are available on their website: https://nairncountyfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/

Getting back on topic, I’ve had a look at the “ins and outs” on the BBC Sport app. There is no mention of Tom Walsh leaving us so maybe he is still under contract or has agreed an extension? It fits with his photo still being on the club website. However, mixing up topics, it would be good if the club communicated the position.

Nathan Austin has joined East Fife from Kelty. As mentioned on the squad thread Jay Henderson is now at County. Kai Kennedy has been released by Rangers.

Maybe but if it was my name given as the SLO, even if the job was delegated to someone else I’d want to know what e-mails were coming in and also that they were being dealt with promptly and professionally. The club should have targets for dealing with correspondence and monitor how they perform against those targets. That’s what customer focussed businesses do.

Oh dear. Notwithstanding his off field antics, it sounds like he was a flop at Linfield and has had injury issues too: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/10606813/kyle-lafferty-linfield-flop-explained-rangers-gamble/amp/

Our New Year “derby” is Airdrie away!! https://ictfc.com/ictfc-fixtures-2023-24-released/

I don’t think he ever really left as when he joined Brechin he continued part time with us. He’s been back full time for a few months now.

I’ve had some dealings with Keith over an advertising board and the cup final souvenir programme and he has come across very well, passionate and enthusiastic. I know he got the board spaces filled after he joined, so I think he is focussed on raising funds. I can’t comment on Gordon but I’d suggest contacting Keith first.

Graeme Shinnie has joined Aberdeen on a three year deal.

My interpretation, rightly or wrongly, of our contract position is that we are looking to get promoted next season and, if that does not work, we have the fall back of going part time. All bar 3 of our committed players for next season are only under contract for next season. I support Billy seeking a two year deal. This is his last chance for footballing security, and we should meet his demands, particularly as pay doesn’t seem to be an issue. To potentially lose our top asset to a promotion rival will be serious mismanagement by our leaders. I hope it is just rumour and speculation, but we need to get it sorted and fast!

Sad to hear that Craig Brown has died. I always felt his contribution was underrated given that we regularly qualified for tournaments during his tenure. I’m sure he was proud of our recent performances. Scotland has lost one of the good guys.

That’s what made me ask if anyone knew about when tickets were being posted. I didn’t get an e-mail either (and I’ve checked my spam).

I did mine at the stadium and was told I will be sent a new card when the club received them. I didn’t think to ask the timescale for getting it. Anyone any idea?

They were quick to confirm Boyd and Woods were moving on, announce that Deas had decided to leave, and those they were speaking to about new contracts. Sutherland and Walsh were not mentioned at that time but then the argument broke out about the circumstances surrounding how Sutherland was informed that he was not getting an offer. We can only assume it is the same with Walsh. Some recognition is surely not too much for them, and the fans, to expect. They have been silent on Allardice leaving too despite it being announced by him and then County on Sunday. As always we need better communication.

I asked a Cove fan about Charlie Gilmour. He was impressed by him and feels they really missed him in the second half of the season after he picked up a bad ankle injury when tackled by a Queens Park player, possibly even one of the reasons for their collapse after New Year. Sounds promising, although whether he will be able to hit the ground running will depend on whether he has fully recovered and gets a full pre season.

Strachan and Bray are under contract until next year. Not sure about Dan Mackay’s younger brother (Calum?). I think they are the ones that were on our bench and got some game time when we were short of players. Strachan looked good in the brief spells I saw him in. I’m sure there are others we should be talking to.

Surprised at that but it is good news. Hopefully he can stay injury free and starts the season showing the sharpness he did until he got injured last autumn. As for Billy Mckay, I read the fairytale ending bit as referring to the cup final had we won it, but highlighting how successful the season was for him in terms of goals etc. Hopefully he signs an extension soon!

They are announcing their first signing of the close season at 1600 today.