HIGHLAND League champions Forres Mechanics have completed the signing of Lossiemouth striker Ross Archibald in a player swap deal.
Archibald (21) put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal yesterday (Thursday), with Forres pair Matty Davidson and Jordan Main agreeing a move in the opposite direction.
Cans’ manager Charlie Rowley said he was delighted the transfer was finalised, after negotiations between the two Moray clubs appeared to have broken down.
“I said I would rather spend money on young, local players who are doing well for their clubs and Ross ticks all the boxes,” he said. “He started the season well with Lossie and has been scoring goals, and he’s the type of player I want to take to Forres.”
Archibald, who netted 12 goals for Lossie by Christmas and was their star performer in a difficult season thus far, had agreed terms with Forres earlier this week, although a fee became the stumbling block. Mechanics offered Davidson and Main plus cash, and it is understood one of the players stalled on the move before agreeing to sign for Lossie.
Coasters’ chairman Royce Clark said he had hoped to keep Archibald at Grant Park until the end of his contract in the summer, but was willing to let him go if the player had set his heart on playing for Mechanics.
See Northern Scot print version for full story.
