Forres Mechanics players and staff loyal through financial cutbacks
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FORRES Mechanics manager Charlie Rowley has paid testament to the “great loyalty” the club’s players and coaching staff have shown in signing new contracts during a period of financial restructuring.
The overwhelming majority of the Forres first-team squad and all members of the coaching staff accepted new deals in December, buying into the club’s aim of reducing the wage bill and stabilising finances.
Fourteen players have signed up for next season, with the hope two more will soon join up.
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Forres boss Charlie Rowley was tasked with sorting deals with the players, after agreeing his own new terms.
He said: “This the most sensible approach. The club had to stabilise financially and the vast majority of players have bought into that.
“It is testament to the players and staff that they have signed up, but I’m not surprised. We have tried to create an environment that encourages players to stay long term and for the vast majority that is the case.
“The amount of years service the current crop of players have given is testament to their great loyalty. Their main concern was remaining competitive and not their wages.”
Rowley says the Cans will be hoping to compete at the right end of the Highland League going forward, but the transfer policy at Mosset Park will be changing.
He added: “The financial power of the teams at the top makes it difficult, but there is no reason we can’t be competitive next season.
“We won’t just be signing young players because they fall into the right age bracket, even the inexperienced players have got to be the right quality.
“We have spoken to more experienced players as well, but they have to have the correct mindset and not just be looking for a pay day. We won’t be able to offer that.”
Sandy Dow, who looks after the club’s finances, explained the situation to supporters at an EGM.
He said: “After our last AGM, we realised we had to stabilise the club and ensure we are living within our means. We are making a lot of progress and Charlie (Rowley) and Craig (Ewen, assistant) have done a lot of work with the players to get them signed up and get a squad together.
“We should applaud the loyalty and support the players and management team have given to the club.”
On top of the 14 players currently signed up for the 2020-21 campaign, Joe Gauld is deciding which university to attend and could still stay and Ryan Farquhar, after returning from injury, is expected to put pen to paper.
Scott Miller and Calum Howarth are set to leave the club, with goalkeeper Euan Storrier’s future unclear. Rowley is hoping to work with a squad of between 18 and 20 players next campaign – meaning there could be a few arriving in summer.
Rowley is hoping to work with a squad of between 18 and 20 players next campaign.
It was also announced at the EGM that the Cans have paid off an overdraft and have begun paying off a bank loan.
A further update will be given at the club’s AGM towards the end of the year.
