Inverness Caledonian Thistle sign Highland League star Jordan Alonge from Forres Mechanics in time for new William Hill League 1 season
A Highland League club has sold their star player to SPFL neighbours.
Inverness Caley Thistle have signed Forres Mechanics midfielder Jordan Alonge on a one-year deal.
The 26-year-old Englishman made a big impression at Mosset Park last season after joining Forrres from Highland League rivals Rothes.
Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald said he was thrilled to see Alonge earn a move into full-time football with Caley Jags in League 1, where he deserves the opportunity to test his abilities.
The player was being chased by several clubs but Inverness won the race.
His career began as a youth at Crystal Palace and developed when he won a college scholarship in America. He played five years of university football in Kansas City and New Jersey, and had a further stint in the USL League 2 for Thunder Bay Chill in Canada.
He also had trials in Turkey and in the lower leagues of English football.
Mechanics described him as a popular figure in the dressing room and a stand-out performer on the pitch.
“Jordan is a model professional and a great person,” said boss MacDonald on the club’s Facebook.
“He's very modest but also has great belief in himself and he really deserves the opportunity to test himself in the Scottish League.
“We are grateful for having Jordan at Forres, even if it was only for a short period and we'll be eagerly following his progress at ICT.
“Whilst we are disappointed to see Jordan leave, the club is delighted to see him make the progression into full-time professional football.
“Jordan leaves with nothing but the best wishes from everyone at the club and we hope to see him in the stands for a game at Mosset Park in the future.”
ored 14 times from midfield for Mechanics last season and won a string of player of the year awards and numerous man of the match prizes.
He scored on his Cans debut in a 2-2 draw with Fraserburgh and he netted some crucial goals, including one in a 3-2 victory over title-chasing Brechin City and a double in a similar 3-2 success against Banks o’ Dee.
He finished off with three goals in his final three games for the club including a derby double at Lossiemouth and the clinching effort in a 4-1 victory over Keith.
Caley Thistle expressed their thanks to Forres and manager MacDonald for their assistance in completing the transfer.
Alonge said on the club’s website: “I’m very happy to get the deal done. I’m really excited to get things going and get to know the players and the staff at the club. I’m ready for the pre-season ahead.”
