Ambitions of SPFL still burn for Brora Rangers
DALE Gillespie believes it is crucial Brora Rangers avoid any hint of complacency approaching what could be the toughest Highland League title race in years.
The midfield mainstay is convinced that at least four or five of the big north teams have the strength and capabilities to win the league.
Speaking after tomorrow’s home clash against Rothes was postponed following the sudden death of the Speysiders’ secretary Garry Davies, Gillespie served warning of difficult challenges ahead.
But the experienced former Caley Thistle playmaker made it clear that Brora retain a hunger to lift the championship trophy and set up another tilt at the pyramid play-offs.
The strangest footballing year in memory saw Brora veer from the incredible high of scalping Hearts to the low of losing to Kelty Hearts
in the play-offs semi-final.
Gillespie said: “Ultimately, it is still the club’s ambition to reach the SPFL. The Highland League itself is hopefully going to stretch to a full season, and it is going to be very difficult.
“Fraserburgh and Brechin City, I think, will be very strong. Buckie Thistle, Rothes and a few others will potentially be up there challenging. Basically, we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We have to earn the right and show we’re worthy of being up there again this season.
“Nobody knows how it might pan out with Covid-19 call-offs but every game will be vital. Everyone is just delighted we’re back to some form of normality.”
Any slight frustration at losing tomorrow’s match after a winning start against Deveronvale was eclipsed by Gillespie’s sadness at the shock death of a popular Mackessack Park figure.
The 32-year-old said: “I was at Rothes for a year so I met Garry – and he was a lovely guy. I didn’t know him that well, but every time we spoke he was great to deal with. He was very well-liked throughout the league, and I’m glad matches have been called off as a mark of respect.”