Anderson glad to be back at Wick Academy after agreeing long-term deal
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Wick Academy manager Gary Manson believes he has captured one of the best attacking players in the Highland League after bringing Steven Anderson back to Harmsworth Park.
The 28-year-old forward has agreed to rejoin the Scorries on a long-term deal at the end of his contract with Rothes.
Anderson netted 67 goals in 151 appearances during his first spell with Academy, between 2014 and 2018, and was among the scorers in the famous 6-2 North of Scotland Cup final victory over Nairn County in 2015.
Manson said: “On his day, Steven is one of the best attackers in the league in my opinion. If we get him fit and firing then he's a match-winner on his day.
“He can play a number of positions. He can play right across the front line, he's strong, he's powerful, he's quick, he's good in the air, he can go on his right side, he can go on his left side.
“He's a proven Highland League player. Obviously I have trained with him and played with him and I've played against him, so I know all his attributes and what he can bring.
“He is definitely a good addition to the squad. He offers a bit of versatility as well.”
Anderson scored 24 goals in 54 appearances during his first two seasons with Rothes after moving to take up a job in Inverness. He has been back in Wick for some time, working as a carpet-fitter, and has a young child.
"Rothes wanted me to sign again but I said I can't be away every weekend," Anderson said.
“I played with Gaz for years, so I know what he is all about. I enjoyed playing with Gaz and now that he is manager I think he has a lot of qualities that he can bring to Academy.
“I was always going to come back but I just didn't know when, that was the only thing. I loved being at Academy and I'm very glad to be back.”
As a youth, while living in the London area, Anderson was given an opportunity to spend a couple of days training at Crystal Palace.
“They want you at 15 so they can mould you how they want you, but they said I was a bit too old for what they were looking for," he said. "But it was a really good experience and I got to see the likes of Wilfried Zaha.”
Meanwhile, Manson has also been busy tying up existing members of the squad on contract extensions. Danny Mackay, Alan Farquhar, Mark Macadie, Davie Allan, Sean Campbell, Jack Henry, Jack Halliday and Brandon Sinclair have all put pen to paper on long-term deals.
The manager said: “The squad is shaping up nicely and there is quite a good balance of youth and experience in there now. We're just looking forward to the football starting now and hopefully we'll get a fixture list out soon.”
