Robert MacCormack proud of work at Alness United after leaving North Caledonian League outfit
Alness United have confirmed the departure of manager Robert MacCormack.
MacCormack was at the helm as Alness returned to the North Caledonian ranks after a year in abeyance for the 2019/20 season, immediately earning silverware.
It was an unusual first season back, as because of the Covid-19 pandemic two leagues were formed in a bid to ensure all matches would be completed, with the top division playing for the traditional North Caledonian title and the second tier vying for the Ness Cup.
Alness would triumph in Division Two, winning eight of their 10 matches to announce their return in style.
MacCormack, then, will look back on his time at Dalmore Park fondly, and he is full of gratitude to have been given the opportunity in the first place.
"I feel that the opportunity I'm getting is not one I can turn down," he explained.
"I've been given an opportunity at another club, and that's all I can say right now.
"I'm sad to go from Alness. I've had an amazing few years at the club, and I'd like to thank Tommy Regan, who has been amazing, Robert Mitchell and all my other coaches who I couldn't have done it without.
"The players who have played for me since day one and the guys who came in have been unbelievable.
"Alness is run superbly, it's a brilliant club with the new facilities. Fiona Sutherland, the secretary, is absolutely amazing.
"Everyone at the club are just fantastic people. I would just like to thank everyone, ebcause it's been brilliant."
Of course, managing any football team does not come without challenges, but essentially starting up again from scratch in the midst of a global pandemic is a tougher task than most have to face.
"It's been tough at times, very tough at times, but it's also been excellent at times," MacCormack recalled.
"Obviously Covid wasn't easy at the start. We didn't have a pitch at first, or changing facilities, so the challenges were unbelievable at the start.
"When I joined the club, there was no senior team so we had to build that up again, and in my first season we won the Ness Cup, which was amazing.
"It was difficult to try and get guys to come, because there were obviously other clubs, but the guys who came in at first and those who have joined the club have been unbelievable.
"Boys move on, that's what happens, but every season we've managed to build a squad again, so it's been good.
"Now, you look at the new facilities, the new changing rooms and everything, and it's a brilliant club.
"When I look back, I can say I'm proud of what I've done at Alness.
"Who knows, I might end up back at the club one day. You never know."
Next steps
MacCormack's departure raises the question of what comes next for Alness, who travel to Nairn County A in the North Caledonian Cup this weekend.
His former assistant Robert Mitchell will take charge of the side for that quarter final, and MacCormack is confident Alness are in safe hands under Mitchell's guidance.
"I'm not too sure what's going to happen," MacCormack added.
"Robert is a brilliant coach and a brilliant manager. I know the boys will stick by him, so whether it's just for Saturday or whether Robert takes them for the rest of the season, they'll be fine.
"It's a really good group of boys, and Robert has been there and done it, he's a brilliant football guy, a brilliant coach and a brilliant manager.
"I would 100 per cent like to see Robert get it permanently. I hope it works out, he has come in this year and it's been amazing to have him with me.
"I was struggling last year on my own, but he has been absolutely brilliant since coming in.
"I have no doubts at all that if he gets the job or takes the job, the club will be absolutely fine."