Midfielder leaves St Duthus to sign for hometown team Wick Academy in Highland League
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Midfielder James Mackay has signed for Wick Academy after leaving North Caledonian League club St Duthus.
Mackay (29) returns to his hometown club on a two-year deal after joining St Duthus in 2020, following spells with Inverness Athletic and Golspie Sutherland.
While with the club, he earned a North Caledonian Cup winners medal in 2022, and was named as the club's Players' Player of the Year at the end of the same season.
In 48 appearances for Saints, he netted six goals - two of which were recognised as the club's goal of the Season, against Orkney in 2022 and Invergordon in 2023.
Mackay says the chance to play Highland League football led to him signing for Wick Academy.
He said: "I didn’t think a chance to go back to Highland League would come but I have St Duthus to thank for getting me to as fit as I’ve been in years and I'm really enjoying my football. "They are a brilliant club, very well run and has a real family feel to it. I wish everyone at the club well for the season ahead."
Mackay adds the Scorries to a list of former Highland League clubs he has previously played for, including Fort William, Brora Rangers, Strathspey Thistle and Rothes.
First team manager Alan Geegan said: "On behalf of everyone at St Duthus, I want to thank James for his commitment and effort, although I am gutted to lose one of my leaders.
"I feel Jamesy has matured in the last couple of years into a disciplined central midfielder who at 29 years old has more experience than many.
"I understand the lure of his hometowm team was just too much and I wish him all the best and will leave the door open for a return."
