Mechanics step up for season's honours

FORRES Mechanics defender Graham Fraser took the honours as his side’s Clubman of the Year at their annual Highland League awards dinner.

Graeme Grant won both Players’ Player of the Year as well as the Committee’s award, while Kyle Scott was voted Supporters’ Player of the Year. Rowley’s personal choice would have been the vastly experienced Grant, but he was equally delighted that youngster Fraser was given the recognition.

Rowley said: “It’s a great accolade for somebody so young to be voted for by other clubs. I wouldn’t argue with the decision, although from a personal point of view I would have voted for Graeme Grant. In my opinion he was our stand-out performer throughout the year.

“That’s taking nothing away from Graham. It just shows you how other teams view certain individuals in the team. But it’s a great achievement for Graham.

“I think there is no question he has improved. He’s had a fair bit of experience in terms of minutes in the Highland League at a young age. That can only do him good in the long run.

“You also tend to forget that he is playing out of position at full-back. He’s a better centre-half than a right back. I think that will undoubtedly stand him in good stead when he goes back to playing at centre-half. He has got so much energy and fitness that we might not get the best out of him as a centre-half just yet. With the attacking force he brings, full-back is maybe his ideal position.”

The three nominees for the Can-Cans’ Clubman of the Year were Fraser, Grant, and left-sided player Craig McGovern, who impressed in his debut season after arriving from Keith last summer. Rowley was also delighted with the progress he has made since his move from Darren Still’s men.

Rowley added: “Craig has come on in leaps and bounds. He has been playing either at full-back or on the left of a midfield four. When we brought him in from Keith, he was the right age to come to us; we saw him as a signing for the future, although not the distant future. I think we’ll see the best of him two years down the line after his bedding-in period. I have been delighted with his performances – he has been a real bargain for us.

“The move has turned out pretty well for him too, as he has settled in great and made a few friends through the club. The full package at Mechanics has enhanced his pedigree, and he can be one of many players for the future here.

“Some of the players didn’t play at the level they are capable of this season. However, if we can get 11, 12 or 13 candidates for Clubman of the Year next year, we will be in the title race as far as we are concerned.”