New man Kyle MacLeod (29) hopes to be leader in young Forres Mechanics squad
A PROVEN goalscorer is a want for every Highland League side and Forres Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald might have found his man in Kyle MacLeod.
The 29-year-old has joined on a season-long loan from Brora Rangers, with Can-Cans’ player of the season Craig Mackenzie having headed in the opposite direction on a permanent deal.
MacLeod has scored buckets of goals for Brora and Buckie Thistle in the Highland League - and also had a spell in League Two with Elgin City in his younger years.
He had offers to move elsewhere in the Highland League, but was tempted to join Forres by MacDonald - who is hoping his leadership can help the young squad at Mosset Park.
“I had other offers and took my time to speak to them all and see what they envisioned for the season and for myself,” he said.
“I’m at an age where I need to make the decision that suits me best as I don’t know how many years I’ve got left. I’m not getting towards the end, but I’m experienced.
“After speaking to Steven (MacDonald) he said it would be good for the boys to learn from someone who has played in the Highland League for years. I can be that voice on the pitch that they have maybe been lacking.
“I noticed in the first training session and the game on Saturday (2-1 win against Nairn St Ninian) that the boys are very young.
“I don’t see myself as being old but I do feel it in that training room! But I have always had leadership and I hope that is going to come to the fore.”
Muir of Ord-based MacLeod signed for the Can-Cans on Saturday morning, and hours later scored the first goal for Forres in the win against Nairn St Ninian.
He hopes he can be the man to bring Forres goals. The Cans’ top scorer last season was the now-retired Lee Fraser, who scored seven goals from centre-half.
“I have brought goals wherever I have played,” he said. “Whether that was at Buckie or Brora - and I have scored some important goals too, especially at Buckie when we were going for the title and stuff.
“I’m used to winning and I have that winning mentality - I want to bring that to Forres. I’m not used to getting beat.
“We have got to be optimistic with the squad we have. The league is a better standard than it ever has been, especially since I started in the league.
“We have young boys that are learning how to adapt to the league and it’s a tough school for them and they have to learn quickly, but I’m sure they are ready for that.
“The main thing is getting a league finish that it’s better than last season, and maybe we can add a cup run.”
Forres’ first Highland League match is against Rothes on Saturday, July 27. MacLeod, who played 55 minutes in the St Ninian game, is excited to get going.
“I should have scored more as I had a good few chances,” he added. “It’s about finding that clinical edge, but that will come back with more minutes.
"I’m excited to get going and get back into the routine of it.”
