Thurso Highland League winner returns to football after four years out after signing for Inverness Athletic
Former Highland League winner John McLeod has returned to football signing for North Caledonian League club Inverness Athletic after four years out through injury.
The 34-year-old from Thurso, who won the Highland League with Buckie Thistle in 2017, was forced to retire from football in 2021 after sustaining a hip injury in 2019.
However, McLeod feels he is now ready to return to playing football and has signed a deal with Inverness Athletic.
As a young player, McLeod played in the Caithness Amateur League with Thurso Acks and Dounreay Workshops.
He played for Muir of Ord in the North Caledonian League before signing for Fort William in 2014.
He joined Brora Rangers in 2015 before signing for Buckie Thistle in 2016.
He scored 47 times for Buckie Thistle in their title triumph of 2016/17.
Manager Stuart Ross is delighted to bring the former Highland League winner on board.
He said: “I think you will be hard pushed to find anyone in North football that has not heard of Johners and his goal scoring exploits.
"To be able to welcome someone with his experience to the club is fantastic and will be a massive boost.
"He has been working hard over the past four years and he is in great shape considering what he has been through, so credit to him for that.
"We are looking forward to seeing Johners in an Athletic shirt.”
