McKinnon’s kids set to breathe new life into Selkirk squad
THEY may have gone without a competitive fixture for more than a month now, but Selkirk FC boss Mikey McKinnon hasn’t been letting the grass grow under his feet in the interim.
Last week, the club signed 18-year-old Angus Campbell from North Berwick and this week another two youngsters have been added to the growing player list at Yarrow Park.
Connor Robb, 18, and Aaron Swailes, 16, are the latest recruits to McKinnon’s army and, with two more prospective players waiting in the wings, the former Cowdenbeath striker feels his men are ready to go into battle and fight for their place in the East of Scotland Premier Division, starting with an away win against Lothian Thistle tomorrow.
“We had 16 at training this week and we are looking at another two players which would be the biggest squad we have had down here for a long time,” McKinnon told The Wee Paper. “Twenty-four points will see us home. The two teams above us are only four points ahead so it’s all to play for.”
McKinnon is well aware that people may question the decision to recruit players of such a young age, but he is adamant that, with the help of assistant coach Aaron Biggs, they can develop the youngsters into stars of the future.
“The team that has impressed me the most in the East of Scotland league is Edinburgh City and that’s because of their youth set-up,” he explained.
“They get hold of their youths at an early age and train them all the way up to senior level, and they are reaping the benefits of that now. That is the kind of set-up me and Aaron are aiming to get in place here at Selkirk.
“All the new lads are really keen. What they will bring with them is enthusiasm, and that, mixed with the experience we already have in the team, should be a good combination and hopefully a winning combination.
“Yes, they will make mistakes, but everyone does and what we’re looking at is how they react to that.
“Building their confidence is key. We won’t be throwing these players straight in, we will tell them what is expected of them and start them off with the odd 20 minutes and then, if they are good enough, they will get a full game.
“I would much rather see an enthusiastic 16-year-old going on the park than a 37-year-old being pushed on out of desperation.”
Both of this week’s signings are currently studying at the Base Football academy at Borders College and are delighted to be part of McKinnon’s plans.
Blackpool supporter Robb hails from Dumfries and now lives in Hawick.
He told us: “I joined Hawick Royal Albert when I moved up here, but it didn’t work out too well for me there, so on the advice of my tutor, I approached Selkirk because I want to push myself as far as I can go. I’m really looking for to it.
“I’ve heard a lot about the history of the club and my club back home, Dalbeattie Star, speak highly of them so I’m really chuffed to be getting a chance here.”
Swailes, a Newcastle United fan from Bonchester Bridge, added: “I started with Carlisle United Youths and then went to train with Kelso United before joining Gala Under-19s. Selkirk is closer to home, though, and they play in a better division so I thought it would be better for my football career.”
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Weather for Selkirk
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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Wind direction: East
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