New Forres Mechanics signings Dale Wood and Jack Grant "tick all the boxes" according to manager Charlie Rowley
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THERE will be two new faces in action as Forres Mechanics return to training tomorrow ahead of the upcoming Highland League season.
After seven months away, Mechanics will return to action ahead of a shortened 16-game league, which is due to get under way on October 17.
The Cans moved early to bolster their squad ahead of the restart, with Dale Wood (23) signing a three-year deal after his contract with Rothes expired and Jack Grant (19) signing a two-year contract after his release from Ross County.
Aberlour-based Wood is a versatile defender, who can also playing in holding midfield, with Culbokie-based Grant, who spent last season on loan with Keith, a central midfielder.
Manager Charlie Rowley said the two fit the new mould of player the club wants to bring in.
“I said towards the end of last season that we were wanting younger players and they tick all the boxes in terms of age,” Rowley said.
“But also in terms of not being inexperienced at Highland League level.
“Dale has had three good years at Rothes and Jack had a successful season at Keith – they pushed the boat out to sign him but he wanted to play somewhere a wee bit closer to home, and we have been a wee bit stronger than Keith recently.
"Jack’s background at Ross County will also stand him in good sted.”
One sticking point in terms of Dale Wood signing is that he is still due to serve ten matches of a 16-game suspension for betting offences. Rowley said Mechanics have prepared a letter of appeal to the SFA – on the grounds that Wood’s ban would have been served by now if not for football’s shutdown.
More on that will follow, but, for now, focus is switching to on field matters as football prepares to get going again after lockdown.
Rowley added: “We are definitely looking forward to getting back to some normality in terms of training.
“A lot of teams will be happy it is just a 16-game league as they will have a better chance of topping the table. It will make for interesting viewing. Top six is our intention. Anything higher than that is a bonus.”
The Cans will have Thomas Brady, also released by Ross County, on trial, with a couple of signings still possible before October 17.
The first friendly, versus Nairn St Ninian, is pencilled in for September 19, with the Highland League fixtures due to be announced imminently.
