New signings are good organisers and communicators, says Wick Academy manager
Wick Academy's latest two recruits have been described by manager Gary Manson as good organisers and communicators who are already fitting in well with the squad.
Defender Rob McLean and midfielder James Mackay have both signed two-year deals ahead of the new Highland League campaign. Gary Pullen is another newcomer, having joined last week, and Manson hopes to have three more signed by the weekend.
McLean (26) has impressed as a central defender with Thurso in the North Caledonian League and with High Ormlie Hotspur in the county league, playing a key role in their Highland Amateur Cup triumph last year.
Mackay, who turned 29 last month, is a midfielder who has previous Highland League experience with Fort William, Brora Rangers, Strathspey Thistle and Rothes.
Pullen, an attacking midfielder, was the North Caledonian League's young player of the year for 2022/23 while playing for Golspie Sutherland.
Manson said: "We're starting to get in a good place with squad numbers now.
"James was in and around the Highland League for a while earlier on in his career and then went down to the North Caley.
"He played with Inverness Athletic, Golspie and St Duthus so he comes with a lot of varied experience. He was in and around the Wick squad when he was 17 or 18.
"He has changed a lot. Back then he was a nippy little winger but now he has matured into more of a sitting midfielder. He's a lot more streetwise and a lot more vocal.
"From what I've seen of him so far in pre-season he's a good organiser, a good communicator on the park. You're always looking for those kinds of players.
"Rob falls into that category as well. He's a good organiser and a good communicator as well, but from defence. He helped us out at the end of last season and fitted into the squad seamlessly.
"Gary is one with potential. He's only 18 years old and he's just coming off the back of a good North Caledonian season.
"He can play in a number of positions and he's very comfortable on the ball. We're looking forward to seeing how he does in his first Highland League season.
"We need to be patient with him – he's a young boy and it's his first step up to that level. But it'll still be interesting to see how he does.
"All three will offer different qualities, different characteristics. They're good boys, and from what I've seen so far they've settled in really well to the group."
The Scorries won their first two pre-season friendlies, 1-0 against a young Ross County side at Harmsworth Park and 2-0 away to St Duthus, and are due to take on Thurso at home on Thursday night.
Their final game before the league kicks off is the annual Ken Green Challenge Cup clash with Orkney in Kirkwall this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Academy have confirmed that Sean Campbell, Sean Munro, Cameron Montgomery and James Mackintosh have left the club.