Despite his predecessor Drew McNeil adding another Camanachd Cup to the cabinet last season, a change was made by the club for the side finishing 10 points behind champions Kingussie.

MacIntyre was installed as the man charged with the task of bridging that gap in league terms and he told the Lochaber News he can't wait.

He said: "Firstly, I must stress I am very proud to been made the manager of Fort William. I have been with the club since I was about 12 years-old and I am determined to succeed.

"I was in charge of the second team last year with Davie Stafford and I know there are at least two or three lads who have the ability to step up to the first-team next season.

"Fort William finished too far off the pace in league terms, although part of that came down to there being a lack of players available."

Despite it now being the close season, MacIntyre is continuing to run a once-weekly training session at the high school.

He added: "These Tuesday nights are not compulsory, just for the lads who want to come along. After the New Year, we will look ahead to arranging a few friendlies, so that we hit the ground running.

"While Kingussie and Newtonmore did step it up a level last season, I think Fort William went backwards.

"It's imperative that we hit the ground running. We need to get off to a strong start next year, gaining maximum points from the first week to ensure we are right up there. We're all looking forward to the challenge."

Club stalwart Willie MacDonald takes the assistant manager role and MacIntyre said: "Willie has done everything as a player and he brings so much experience to the job. Last season, he helped on the touchlines at times with the second team, so we know what he can bring to the coaching side from next season."

sports@lochaber-news.co.uk

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