Forres Thistle sign former Highland League Cup-winning hero Paul MacLeod and unveil four more fresh captures at North of Scotland Football League club
A fresh management team have completed the signing of a Highland League football hero.
Forres Thistle have signed ex-Nairn County and Rothes stopper Paul MacLeod.
The Logie Park outfit have also unveiled the signing of four “exciting young talents” in time for the new North of Scotland Football League season.
The capture of 36-year-old MacLeod is the summer coup for Thistle’s new management team of Barrie MacDonald and Derek Theman.
MacLeod came through the youth ranks at Nairn County where he became a fans’ favourite, before making the switch to Rothes in 2017.
His greatest day came during the Covid-interrupted 2020-21 campaign when he scored an injury-time winner for the Speysiders in the Highland League Cup final against Buckie Thistle at Huntly’s Christie Park.
MacLeod returned to Nairn County for a spell and was most recently at Nairn St Ninian, but Forres Jags’ co-manager Theman said he was his number one signing since the management team arrived at the end of March.
““This is the one signing Barrie and I have been pushing for since we came into the role,” Theman said on the club’s Facebook page.
“Paul brings real quality and strong leadership. We’ve watched him for years and I’ve always admired his determination and heart — he absolutely hates losing. He’ll raise standards across the squad and be a fantastic role model for our younger players.”
“What made this deal even better is that Paul really wanted the move himself, which made the whole process so much smoother. We’ve just had to be patient to get it over the line.
“His commitment to joining Forres Thistle speaks volumes about his character and desire to be part of what we’re building here.
“We hope this signing shows our ambition for the season - we’re here to compete and we’re here to win.
“Paul is currently recovering from a slight injury, so we’ll be easing him back into action — but we can’t wait to see him in the red and black soon.”
Jags have made four more summer signings, with the future in mind.
Ben Cruickshank, brother of current Forres Mechanics favourite Aidan, and Bailey Stephen have completed a move from the Mosset Park club along with ex-Huntly youngster Kyle Simpson and fellow young gun Jamie Main, who has been playing in the Forres and Nairn welfare league for FC Bishopmill in Elgin.
“All four lads have trained well, gelled brilliantly with the squad, and shown great potential and attitude,” said Theman. “These signings are a clear statement of our commitment to developing and promoting young players, especially from the local area.
“It’s important that Forres Thistle continues to secure the best talent in the region, and we’re proud to offer a clear pathway for young, local players to progress.”
