Pullen transfer from Wick to Brora was ‘a deal that suited all parties’
Gary Pullen’s transfer to Brora Rangers has been described as “a deal that suited all parties” by Wick Academy manager Gary Manson.
The 20-year-old midfielder from Golspie joined the Cattachs for an undisclosed fee after 18 months at Academy, making 58 appearances and scoring 10 goals.
“Gary came to us as an 18-year-old and he has developed quite well,” Manson said. “He was good for us and I think we were good for him.
“I’m guessing fans will be disappointed to see him go, but it’s a deal that suited everybody.
“Gary’s contract was up in summer 2025. Brora wanted him, Gary wanted to go, and if we’d kept him we would have received no money for him. It was a deal that suited all parties.
“He wasn’t asking for a transfer, he wasn’t pushing to move. He made it quite clear he was really happy where he was, but he wanted to explore the options available to him.
“In the end it was a deal that suited everybody. Brora got their player, Gary got a move, and Wick received a transfer fee for him which in four or five months they wouldn’t have done.
“While it’s disappointing to lose a player, sometimes this happens in football.”
Pullen was the North Caledonian League’s young player of the year for 2022/23 while playing for Golspie Sutherland. He has signed for Brora until the summer of 2027.
The 4-1 loss at Deveronvale last weekend, in what Manson described as “horrendous” conditions, brought the Scorries’ run of defeats to six in all competitions.
They remain 15th in the Highland League and are now only four points above bottom club Strathspey Thistle.
This weekend Buckie Thistle visit Harmsworth Park and Academy would be delighted with a repeat of the result in the corresponding fixture last season.
The Scorries produced arguably their best performance of 2023/24 in a 3-1 victory on March 23 – a result that extended their unbeaten home run to six games.
The Jags won seven of their remaining eight games, and drew the other, to clinch the title on goal difference from Brechin City.
Buckie haven’t had the same consistency in the present campaign and are eighth in the table.
“For the sake of the players I’m hoping it is better weather after last week,” Manson said.
“We know we’re on a bad run, we know we’re not getting the results that we desire, but apart from the second half on Saturday the performance levels haven’t been that bad.
“If we manage to turn up and give our best and perform like we know we can then we’re in with a shout.
“But you’re playing against the league champions. I know they’re not having a vintage season but they’re still a very good team and we’ll need to be at our best to get anything from the game.
“I’m just hoping our luck changes soon and the boys get their rewards for the efforts they’re putting in.”
Orkney trio Owen Rendall, Callan Jessiman and George Ewing should be back after ferry services were cancelled last weekend. Owen Harrold will return to the squad too after recovering from his thigh injury.
Highland League results: Brechin City 1, Fraserburgh 1; Buckie Thistle 1, Huntly 0; Clachnacuddin 2, Inverurie Locos 2; Deveronvale 4, Wick Academy 1; Formartine United 0, Brora Rangers 1; Forres Mechanics 3, Strathspey Thistle 3; Lossiemouth 0, Turriff United 2; Nairn County 1, Banks O’ Dee 4.
Highland League fixtures for Saturday, December 28: Brora Rangers v Lossiemouth; Forres Mechanics v Formartine United; Fraserburgh v Clachnacuddin; Huntly v Brechin City; Inverurie Locos v Banks O’ Dee; Rothes v Nairn County; Turriff United v Keith; Wick Academy v Buckie Thistle (3pm).
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