Dunnings joins Celtic management team

Cammy McCallum led the side to a Mowi South Division 1 and Chieftain’s Cup double last season, and he has welcomed Dunnings’ appointment.

He said: “Alex has been a great addition to our playing squad and with his shinty knowledge and the great rapport he has with myself and the lads, it’s a natural progression for him to step up to management.

“We have lost a couple of players from last season and with our squad being as tight as it is, I’m sure you will see both Alex and I featuring on the pitch at times.”

With Oban Celtic now competing in the Mowi National Division, McCallum added: “Pre-season training is going well but we are still looking to strengthen our squad to replace the ones who have left.

“We had a good workout against the Kyles Athletic first team a couple of weeks ago. It was 2-1 until late on in the match and then I think their Premiership fitness took over and the game ended 5-1.

"We were a few players short that day and our top goal scorer Kyle MacFarlane had to hobble off with a hamstring pull after just 10 minutes which didn’t help our cause, but the boys fought hard. With the core of our team being quite young, it was a good learning exercise for them.

“We are hoping Kyle MacFarlane will be back for the start of the season as he’s obviously an important player for us.”

Oban Celtic, sponsored by The Oban Inn, host the Skye Camanachd second team in a preseason friendly at Mossfield on February 28.

The game comes seven days before the start of the new season against a Skye side who finished third last season, only behind second placed Newtonmore Camanachd Club on goal difference.

Cammy McCallum said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming the Skye second team in another preseason friendly on the Saturday and we are hoping for a good positive performance before our first game of the season the following week away to Lovat Shinty Club.”