July 15th 2024
Nairn County Football Club have this morning been informed by Conor Gethins of his intention to leave the club at the end of his contract this summer. The 32-year-old said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed the last five years at Nairn and I leave with a very heavy heart." "It has not been an easy decision to make but I feel that at this stage of my career, I need a fresh challenge after five fantastic years at Nairn." "The news of Narden and the Chairman's departure this week has accelerated my decision and I would like to thank them and the manager Les Fridge for everything they have done for me during my time with the club." "I would also like to thank all of my team mates, the rest of the club's management committee and of course the fans, who have given me such great support during my five years here." "Nairn County is a fantastic club and I will cherish all of the memories I have from my time here. It has been an honour to pull on the yellow jersey over the last five years and I wish the club nothing but the best of fortune for the future." Manager Les Fridge said: "Of course we are disappointed to lose a player of Conor's calibre but we move forward." "Conor has been a fantastic servant for us during his time at the club but we respect his wishes and at the end of the day, it is his decision." "I would like to thank Conor for his service to the club over his five years with us and wish him well for the future." Conor Gethins signed for Nairn County in the summer of 2011. After scoring on his debut against Strathspey Thistle, he has gone on to net an incredible 173 goals in 178 appearances, including 14 hat-tricks, one of which was a five-goal haul. It is a return which puts him second behind the great Davy Johnston in the club's all-time scoring records. The Irishman became the first ever Nairn County player to win the Highland League Player of the Year award in 2013 and then made it a back-to-back success when he scooped the same prize again 12 months later. He was also named in the Nairn County Team of the Century following a public vote in 2014. The striker leaves Station Park with the best wishes and extreme gratitude of everyone at the club, who would like to wish him every success in whatever he decides to do in the future. Graeme Macleod
