Forres Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald is thrilled that Jordan Alonge has a chance in SPFL football with Inverness Caley Thistle and the Mosset Park club weren’t hard to deal with on the transfer
Selling their star player hasn’t created a ‘war chest’ to go out and buy others.
Forres Mechanics received a transfer fee from Caley Thistle for midfield maestro Jordan Alonge, but Steven MacDonald says it wasn’t a king’s ransom.
The Cans’ manager was thrilled to see the 26-year-old Englishman win a full-time deal in League 1 with Inverness.
He said Forres weren’t hard to deal with on the transfer front, giving Caley Jags a good deal in order for the player to get the best opportunity.
MacDonald hopes that the Highland capital side can repay the compliment in future transfers, possibly with loan moves in mind for the forthcoming campaign.
“I don't think we were particularly hard to deal with,” MacDonald said. “It was more important that Jordan got that opportunity, and that was part of the agreement when he came to us too.
“It certainly hasn't been a war chest for us unfortunately, but equally ICT were really good to deal with, and hopefully it helps our relationship with them, because we're all trying to get on and that's what it's all about.”
Alonge, who scored 13 goals from the middle of the park for Mechanics last season, was a stand-out performer in Highland League football.
MacDonald believes he has the talent to play two levels higher up at Caley Thistle, but it will take time to make that transition.
And he believes every Highland League club should pave the way for their best players to play at the highest level possible, and not stand in the way of an opportunity to better themselves.
“Everyone's delighted for Jordan and it's obviously a step up for him now, but it's up to him,” he said. “Hopefully he'll get chances and hopefully he'll do well, because everyone's keen to see it.
“It’s a big jump and it'll take a wee while for Jordan to settle in and just get used to the whole pace of the thing, and the way the game's played differently as well at that level.
“There'll be a bit of adjusting to do and people shouldn't expect miracles straight away.
“I think it's important for the Highland League that the best of boys are getting the chances, and also that the Highland League clubs give them the right opportunities too, because it is a step-up and it's good for everyone involved.”
MacDonald is working with a tight squad at present, and hopes to bring in one permanent transfer before exploring loan deals to bolster numbers at the start of the season.