It will be the end of an era for Brora Rangers tomorrow as a host of club legends bow out when they finish their season against Turriff United.
Player-manager Ally MacDonald, goalkeeper Joe Malin, midfielder Dale Gillespie and attacker Paul Brindle are all leaving the Cattachs following the fixture at King George V Park in Golspie.
They have been key to Brora’s success over the last decade or so. The Sutherland side have won four Breedon Highland League titles, three GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cups and six North of Scotland Cups since 2013.
Former Ross County and Elgin City goalkeeper Malin arrived at Dudgeon Park in 2013 and has been there ever since.
The 35-year-old said: “It will be emotional after the game thinking that’s a chapter of my life done with. I’ve had a great time and I wouldn’t change a single thing.
“I had good experiences being full-time at Ross County. I was part of a title-winning squads and involved in a Scottish Cup final (in 2010), although I was never the undisputed number one.
“On loan at Elgin was good as well and I got to play at Ibrox, but there have been so many highlights at Brora.
“The first two seasons when we won the league stand out, but being part of the rise of the club during my time has been great.
“It’s been a special period for Brora playing with lots of special players.”
Family and fitness led to retirement call
Explaining his decision to retire, Malin added: “I’ve got an 18-month old daughter (Reeva) and my life changed when she arrived.
“Playing part-time football is a big commitment on top of family and work commitments as well.
“Age and the way my body is feeling is another factor. After I ruptured my Achilles 18 months ago my body hasn’t been the same.
🐱🔴👐Is Joe Malin the best @LeagueHighland goalie ever?
This week's #HighlandLeagueWeekly:
🏆The @GPHBuildersMer Cup final between @brorarangers and @FraserburghFC
⚽ @DeveronvaleFC v @BuckieThistle @KeithFC's Craig Reid on Fantasy 5️⃣shttps://t.co/xYKUYw6Mvi pic.twitter.com/ClCWmOIP71
— Highland League Weekly (@HighlandLW) April 1, 2024
“I’ve never been 100% and I don’t think I’ll ever get back to that. Winning the Highland League Cup this season was a nice way to finish.”
Brora are guaranteed to finish sixth, and Turriff ninth, regardless of the result tomorrow. It’s United’s highest position since finishing seventh in season 2016-17.
Keith and Wick set for last day battle
Keith and Wick Academy are in a final game fight to finish 12th in the Breedon Highland League.
The Maroons meet the Scorries at Kynoch Park tomorrow when the only league position still up for grabs will be settled.
Keith occupy 12th spot, with Wick level on points, but three behind on goal difference.
After finishing 15th last season with 27 points the Maroons have made progress this term and manager Craig Ewen is keen to finish with a win to take them to 36 points.
He said: “Hopefully we can play with a good intensity and energy and finish the season on a high.
“A win for either team would be a great way to end the season.
“This season it feels like we have made a bit of progress and another win would add to that.”
Wick player-manager Gary Manson is pleased to have something to play for in the final match of the season.
But he knows to end the campaign with a victory the Scorries will need to overcome a poor away record.
Just four of their 33 points have been earned on the road. Manson said: “It is not often you still have something to play for in the last game, albeit it is a small thing to play for.
“But if we beat Keith we will finish above them and that is what we are aiming to do.
“Our away form has been absolutely rotten for some reason, we don’t know why, but it’s something we’re looking to improve.”
Clach bolster squad
Clachnacuddin have completed a double signing from Strathspey Thistle with midfielders Jack Davison and Jack Mackay joining the Lilywhites on two-year deals.
Davison, who was out of contract, enjoyed a good campaign with the Grantown Jags netting 10 goals and has now returned to the Lilywhites.
The 22-year-old was previously at Grant Street Park before joining Strathspey in 2022.
Clach player-manager Conor Gethins, who signed Allan Macphee from Loch Ness last weekend, said: “Strathspey scored 34 goals last season and Jack got 10 of them which from midfield is an incredible return.
“We feel that a midfielder who scores goals is very hard to come by.
“We hope he can continue to produce this great form going into next season and at such a young age he has lots to learn and we look forward to developing these assets he has further.”
On the signing of former Invergordon captain Mackay, Gethins added: “Jack is a player I saw last season playing for Maryburgh when I was playing for Avoch.
“A player who I found on that day a tough opponent and one that caught my eye.
“With and incredible desire for fitness and a player who will look to take the ball anywhere on the park is a player I identified as one that could be a big asset to Clach.”