Strathspey Thistle coach Don Johnstone on why it is an exciting time to be at the Highland League outfit under head coach Ryan Esson
Strathspey Thistle coach Don Johnstone believes that exciting times lie ahead for the Grantown club after years in the doldrums.
The Jags assistant has always targeted the Highland League since stepping into the world of coaching.
Years of coaching in Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s academy and women’s set-ups for Johnstone were followed by a brief spell at Forres Mechanics, before linking back up with Ryan Esson at Seafield Park.
Although the Jags have been something of a poisoned chalice in the Highland League in years gone by, this season there have been strong signs of progress.
The club is on course for its highest points tally and Johnstone believes there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the club’s future.
“It feels exciting because there are a lot of people at the club with a passion for it and who want to see the club move forward,” he said.
“Credit to them, because it has come on already.
“You want to match that passion that we’re seeing off the park on the park so it gives us a drive and an extra incentive.
“It’s exciting. Obviously we need to manage that expectation but it’s definitely a good place to be at the moment.”
Johnstone was delighted to join the new look-set-up in the early Autumn.
“I’ve been involved in youth football but I’ve always wanted to progress into the adult game,” he explained.
“Ultimately my ambition has been to get to the Highland League and this level of the game.
“There are different issues to deal with in youth football it’s school and those factors whereas in the Highland League it’s work and family life.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been a big adjustment, it’s just different circumstances for players.
“You’re dealing more with the players directly compared to youth teams where you have more parents to deal with but it hasn’t been too much of a transition.”
While coaching in Caley Thistle’s academy, Johnstone assisted current Jags boss Ryan Esson with ICT’s under-18s side for five years.
That working relationship has been re-established in Grantown, and according to Johnstone the pair have picked up right where they left off.
“I think everyone knows we’ve got a really good relationship,” Johnstone reasoned.
“We’ve worked together for over six years and we’re a good team.
“I know how he works and he is really good to learn off. He really understands the game and we bounce well off each other.
“He’s really passionate and he wants to see good football. He has high standards – you can have a laugh with him but we’re really professional with the way we do things.
“We’ve been working really hard on getting the boys fit and being competitive within games, and I think there are a couple of games we’ve lost where we feel like we should have gotten something.
“Boys are coming back from injury now which is adding to the competition and they’re looking fit so hopefully that continues going forward.
“I suppose we’re building an identity.
“People behind the scenes are trying to develop the club as a whole and I would still say we’re in the early stages of this team but for me right now we’re just looking at the next game.”
