Whyte stays loyal to Mechanics

Published: 09 May, 2007

FORRES Mechanics go into the close season boosted by the news that influential captain Neil Whyte has put pen to paper for a further two seasons.

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The 32-year-old former Elgin City right winger has resisted tempting offers from other clubs, including Deveronvale, Lossiemouth and Rothes, to stay with the Can Cans – and has no regrets about the decision.

"The club have been very good to me and there has been talk of a testimonial at the end of this contract, so I am delighted it is all sorted out," he said. "The people at the top of the club have always looked after me and the supporters have always been very good with me.

"I am very settled at Forres but it was the hardest decision I have had to make in my career. The club made their position clear about their offer, while I wanted to see what other options were on offer."

Whyte joined Forres in the summer of 2001, quickly converting to a midfield role, and he wonders how much longer he has in the Highland League.

"I have a young family and am not getting any younger so this might be the last contract I sign, but I would not be staying if I thought progress was not being made," he said.

"We always knew it would be difficult after Pele left with so many players moving on, and a lot of the boys who have come in from the junior ranks took time to find their consistenc.

"Since Christmas, our form has picked up, not necessarily result wise, but we have been more consistent. The general consensus has been we are pushing to keep moving up the table; the aim is to get into the top six again."

Boss Gordon Winton is delighted Whyte is staying put. "Losing our skipper to another Highland League club would have been a huge loss. It gives us a platform to build on.

"As well as the boost it gives to the players already here, I see his decision as being a big factor in attracting other players to sign on here as well."

Ryan Green has been named Players' Player of the Year and Clubman of the Year, with Highland League top scorer Charlie Brown voted the Supporters' Player of the Year once again.

It is just reward for another impressive season by Green, who has netted nine goals and used his experience to bring on younger players.

He is another player who is staying around for another two years.

Meanwhile, Forres Mechanics Youth Development Club is holding a sponsored walk on Sunday along part of the Dava Way, starting at 3pm from Logie Park.

All the club's youngsters are taking part and are seeking sponsorship to assist with fundraising.