Keeper Williamson signs for Wick Academy as McCarthy moves on
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Goalkeeper Graeme Williamson has joined Wick Academy and will be battling it out with Gordon Clark for the number one position when Highland League football is able to restart.
Williamson has a wealth of experience after many years of success in both the North Caledonian League and the Caithness AFA summer league, helping Wick Groats to win multiple trophies including the Highland Amateur Cup.
He now feels the time is right to test himself at Highland League level and Academy manager Gary Manson says he is delighted to bring in a keeper with Williamson's ability and track record.
The move comes after the departure of Sean McCarthy, who spent six years with the Harmsworth Park side.
"Graeme signing is great news for the club," Manson said. "When Sean made it known he was wanting to leave it was imperative we moved quickly and got another quality goalkeeper in.
"With Gordon Clark extending his contract a few weeks ago, it's great to have two goalkeepers signed up and ready to fight for the number one position. Graeme will fit seamlessly into the changing room and I'm really looking forward to seeing how he adapts to the higher level."
McCarthy decided to leave after his contract expired.
It was imperative we moved quickly and got another quality goalkeeper in.
A statement on the Academy website said: "The club had been in negotiations with Sean for a number of weeks and after initially accepting a new deal he has now decided he would like a new challenge.
"Sean made 191 appearances during his spell at the Harmsworth, winning the North of Scotland Cup along the way, and few can question his commitment and ability during this time. The club would like to wish Sean all the very best for the future and thank him for his tremendous contribution over the six seasons he spent with us."
Meanwhile, defender Andrew Hardwick is returning to Academy after a spell away from Caithness through his job with the police.
The 27-year-old made 60 appearances and scored six goals during his first spell with the Scorries between 2016 and 2019.
Manager Manson said: “It was only a temporary move for him down to the Inverness area, so it was always the plan for him to come back up here. He is signed back with the club now.
“He knows the club, we know him, we need defensive reinforcements and he was a free agent after a one-year deal at Strathspey which has run out now, so it was a no-brainer really.”
A high point of Hardwick's first spell at Wick was a hat-trick in a 6-0 home win against Fort William in October 2018.
"He had me to thank for that," Manson pointed out. "His third goal was a penalty and I was the designated penalty-taker, so I let him take that one."
The Scorries also confirmed two further contract extensions, with defender Danny Mackay and striker Gordon MacNab committing their futures to the club. Manson said: “I know these two guys very well and I’m fully aware of the undoubted qualities they bring to the squad.”
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