Stafford Cup draw ‘pleasing’ says second generation co-manager of holders Golspie Stafford
The newly appointed co-manager of Golspie Stafford, Keegan Campbell, is relishing the prospect of a local derby in the quarter-finals of the Stafford Cup, after the 2025 draw for the competition was revealed this week.
Cup holders Golspie will begin their defence of the trophy with a bye after the rounds were drawn by North West Sutherland AFA secretary Hugh Morrison in Athens.
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Second-generation Stafford boss Campbell is one of a several young football coaches stepping up to coach amateur teams this year, having recently completed his Scottish FA 1.3 coaching badge in the company of Tain Thistle boss Alex McDonald.
Along with co-manager Scott Clark, the 20-year-old forms an all-new management team at the Sutherland club.
Golspie native Campbell’s first season as co-manager will hold extra significance as his appointment follows the retirement of his father, Ewen Campbell – one of the club’s most influential figures of the past 30 years.
The 20-year-old said it was a “good feeling” to be taking hold of the reins his Dad had held for decades.
“It’s a good feeling to be coaching my village team and to follow in the footsteps of my Dad, who took the team for so many years and enjoyed a very successful time as manager,” he explained.
“With the brilliant players we have, hopefully we can win some silverware for Golspie, and maybe I’ll even go on to add more trophies than my dad did when he was manager!”
Avoiding a first round tie, Golspie Stafford will meet the winner of Melvich and Brora Wanderers in the quarter-final of the Stafford Cup.
“It’s very pleasing to get a bye,” he added. “I’m happy with the draw as a whole, especially as we could face our close neighbours Brora again.
“It’s good to see the rivals facing each other more than once in the campaign.
“The aim this is year is just to win as many trophies as possible and give the boys a good summer of celebrations.”
The full Stafford Cup draw was made as follows:
1st Round
Melvich v Brora
Inver v Lochinver
Lairg Rovers v Helmsdale United
Quarter Finals
Melvich or Brora v Golspie Stafford
Tain Thistle v Inver or Lochinver
Lairg or Helmsdale v Embo
Dornoch v Lochbroom
Semi Finals
Melvich, Brora or Golspie v Tain, Inver or Lochinver
Dornoch or Lochbroom v Lairg, Helmsdsle or Embo
First round ties are scheduled to be played on Saturday, April 12.