Striker Ben Barron (17) signs for Forres Mechanics after successful loan and Inverness Caley Thistle release
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FORRES Mechanics have moved to bring in teenage striker Ben Barron after his release by Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Barron (17) spent the back end of last season on loan with the Cans, scoring twice.
That spell with Forres has encouraged the Nairn local to put pen to paper on a permanent deal at Mosset Park – despite interest from elsewhere.
"I'm delighted to sign," he said. "My loan spell was brilliant so it was a no-brainer, to be honest.
"I had a couple of other offers but Forres was definitely where I wanted to come. I've spoken with the manager and everything seems brilliant so fingers crossed for a great season.
The 17-year-old has just graduated from college and passed his driving test, before putting pen to paper with Forres and setting off on a pre-season holiday to Spain.
His release from Inverness, then, has been firmly put in the past.
"Everything happens for a reason, so we'll see what the future holds," Barron added.
"All I want to do is play and score goals. It's good having a young team here – there's a real team spirit around the club."
Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald is pleased Barron chose to return to Forres.
He said: "Whether it was another loan or Ben got released, we were always going to pursue it so we are pleased to get him signed up.
"It shows he enjoyed his time with us and hopefully shows we are going the right way and can meet his ambitions.
"It's an advantage that we had Ben at the end of last season so we got a look at each other.
"He's only 17 and I've been surprised with how well he coped with the demands of Highland League. It didn't cause him problems and he was fearless to it.
"We are looking forward to seeing him now he's permanently with us, to see how he settles in. I think he's got a lot of potential to do well.
"It's up to him to earn his place now."
Forres began pre-season training on Wednesday night. Allan Macphee wasn't present – the winger has left Forres and is playing with Inverness side Loch Ness. Gordon McNab, who was with Forres for most of last season, has signed for Nairn County.
MacDonald is still hoping to add two or three to the squad before pre-season friendlies begin.
