Forres Mechanics bring in Mark McLauchlan from Buckie Thistle to complete triple transfer swoop after signing goalkeeper Aidan McDonald and defender Calum Howarth
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Forres Mechanics have won the race to sign Buckie Thistle full back Mark McLauchlan on a three-year deal.
Cans manager Steven MacDonald was pleased to complete his third transfer deal of the close season, having brought in a goalkeeper and defender already this week.
MacDonald swooped to bring left back Calum Howarth back to Mechanics from Nairn County on a two-year contract.
And keeper Aidan McDonald has signed from junior side Burghead Thistle on a three-year contract to compensate for the loss of veteran Stuart Knight to Buckie Thistle yesterday.
Manager MacDonald knew that several Highland League rivals were chasing the signature of 21-year-old former Aberdeen player McLauchlan.
"I think half the league has been after him and it's been a bit of a push trying to get him in," he said.
"There's been a lot of negotiating and it's good to get that tied up. It's good to get in another left-sided player to the club.
"He’s played a lot of Highland League football for his age and he’s got a bit of quality."
Howarth (27) initially joined Forres from Caley Thistle in 2016 and spent four seasons with the Mosset Park side before joining neighbours Nairn.
MacDonald said: "He had a serious injury a couple of seasons back, an achilles problem and last season when he did get back there were other niggles causing him problems too.
"It was only near the end of the season that he really got himself going. It never worked out like he had hoped there (at Nairn).
"We know what we are getting at 27. A left back I have been trying to pursue for a long time now.
"He was always on my mind and I know what he can do, he did well at the club before and I’m looking forward to getting him back full of fitness and really showing what he can do."
Keeper McDonald started his career at Clach but has established himself in junior football at Burghead, where his father David is manager.
He impressed in a trial appearance for Cans at the end of last season.
"I’ve known Aidan since he was young at Clach and he was really good prospect then," MacDonald added.
"He’s obviously gone to Burghead for experience and really done well. I think would have been able to step up before now but he has been very loyal to Burghead and done a great job.
"Thankfully now he has decided to take the step up and we are looking forward to seeing how he does."
