3 hours ago
We are delighted to have secured the services of Nairn-based goalkeeper, Thomas McHale.
The 30-year-old joins us from Elgin City on an initial six-month loan with obligation-to-buy and has agreed a three-year contract from this Summer.
The English shot stopper comes with a wealth of SPFL experience, having spent the last eight seasons at Borough Briggs following his career in English non-league football.
Manager Wayne Mackintosh was delighted to bring the imposing goalkeeper to Station Park with McHale now linking up with his adopted hometown club.
The boss said: “Tom has really impressed me with how keen he is to come and join us and we are really pleased to have secured him on a long term, permanent contract.
“Initially, he will be with us on loan for the rest of the season, so he will remain Elgin City’s player until the end of their season and then everything is in place for him to make the move permanent once the League Two season has ended.
“In all of our discussions, he has shown a real desire to come to the club despite strong interest from elsewhere. He is settled here with his family and I think the attraction of playing so close to home really appealed to him. He has given a lot to Elgin down the years and it is a huge commitment to play at that level but now he is looking forward to a fresh start and a new challenge, having never played in the Highland League before.”
He added: “Tom is a confident goalkeeper and a very imposing figure. He will bring a lot of positive attributes to the squad both in terms of his physical stature, ability and experience on the park and driving standards behind the scenes as well. He has a commanding presence and is coming into his peak years as a goalkeeper, so we are delighted that he has chosen to join us and we are all looking forward to working with him. We would also like to thank Alan Murray and Martin Johnston at Elgin City for all of their help in getting this deal done.”
Thomas started his senior career at Bodmin Town before joining then National League South side, Truro City. He spent three seasons there – including a loan spell at Weymouth – where he also earned national recognition, being picked for the England C (non-league select) squad.
After re-locating to the north of Scotland, he joined Elgin City in 2018 and spent the first six months of his time at Borough Briggs back on loan at Weymouth. He then returned north and established himself in the Black and Whites’ team, playing in two promotion playoff campaigns and being named in the League Two Team of the Season during his time with City. He clocked up almost 200 appearances for Elgin, which included a North of Scotland Cup outing at Station Park in a 2-1 win for the visitors in August 2022.
Thomas is available to sponsor for the rest of the season. Interested? Drop us a message on Social Media or email info@nairncountyfc.co.uk.
Image by Kenny Macleod Photography.
