The following story was featured in today's edition of "Highland News" and may interest Brechin fans............

Ritchie's cheer for SPL mates

THIS has been a strange but enjoyable season for former Caley Thistle striker Paul Ritchie.

The man, whose 23 goals helped fire the Highlanders into the topflight, has watched his former teammates become the story of Scottish football this year. Meanwhile, he's been doing what he's best at - scoring goals - and helping second division Brechin City top the table, putting him in line for another winners'medal.

The 36-year old decided to pack his bags and leave Inverness regardless of whether the first division title was secured or not so that he could be closer to home while putting greater emphasis on his accountancy career.

Ritchie, speaking to the Highland News while waiting on his team bus to arrive to take City down to Ayr in midweek, is delighted for his old pals and says their success proves they're more than a great cup team.

He said: "It goes to show you they are a team capable of being in the SPL and staying there. I've been in their situation before when I went up to that level with Dundee and it does take a period of adjustment and they've adjusted to it superbly. I think it's great.

"Last summer when we were all waiting to see if they were even going to get into the SPL was utterly bizarre. It was a complete farce, as was the Pittodrie groundsharing idea.

The SPL was dying on its feet and they should have been welcoming a new club such as Caley Thistle in with open arms. I'm not actually surprised by how well they've done because I know there's a lot of quality in that squad. I think their success is really down to belief."

Ritchie says he's also chuffed for ICT boss Craig Brewster, who always used to be at clubs near to him over their careers.

He said: "I know Craig very well and he's doing a fantastic job there.

When I was at Dundee, he was at United and then when I was at Forfar, he was at Raith. I spoke to him recently and he told me that he's really enjoying managing the club and I wish him well."

The striker, who was a smash hit with the Caley Jags fans, revealed that the step down a level took a little getting used to.

He said: "It was a bit difficult adjusting to part-time football to be honest, but I'm still really enjoying it. There's a bit of a difference for me because last season playing alongside guys like Bingham, Wyness and Wilson meant there was always going to be a lot of chances for me to score, but with Brechin not having quite the same attacking style, it's a little harder. Although I'd have liked more, I've scored 15 goals so far this season."

If Ritchie wins the championship with City in May it will be his second title triumph with the Angus club. He's also clinched league crowns at Dundee, Hong Kong Valley, and of course, Inverness.

He added: "It would be wonderful for me to win another one - it's always special when you win a championship. I do believe we are the strongest team in the league, so hopefully we can carry on from here."