July 15th 2024
NAIRN County can confirm the signing of defender Fraser Dingwall on a one-year contract. The 20-year-old has been training with the squad this summer and featured as a trialist in the pre-season friendly matches against Inverness CT and Burghead Thistle. Manager Ronnie Sharp said: “Fraser has been playing with Avoch in the amateur league in Inverness. He wanted to stay with them for the Highland Amateur Cup, which is why we have not been able to sign him sooner. They were knocked out on Saturday though and they were good enough to release him straightaway, so we thank them for doing that.” He added: “We spotted Fraser playing in the amateurs during the close season and I spoke to a couple of people at Avoch about him and they all spoke very highly of him. He stood out right away, so we went and watch him play another couple of times and invited him along to training to see how he got on." “He has fitted in well with the rest of the squad and done well in the games he has played for us. He has gone in at right back but he is capable of playing in the centre of the defence as well. It gives us added competition in these areas and I have no doubt he has the ability to step up to Highland League football." “He is a big, strong boy who is good in the air, so we are looking for him to bring us more physical presence to the back line. He can play as well though and is good with the ball at his feet and a good communicator too. We are looking forward to seeing him develop over the season and if things work out, then extending his stay at the club into future years.” Dingwall came through the ranks at his home town club, Alness United, who play in the North Caledonian League. He spent last season with Invergordon where he was part of the team who were runners up in the Jock Mackay Cup and finished second in the North Caledonian League by a single point. As one defender arrives, another has left the club. Stephen Mackenzie returned to training at the start of pre-season training after a year out due to work commitments. However, he is now unable to commit to Saturday matchdays again due to his work situation. Ronnie Sharp said: “Stevie was a big part of the team in my first season back at the club and we were looking forward to having him back for the new season. But, unfortunately, his work situation has changed and it means he is unavailable on Saturdays again. Work comes first so we completely understand where he is coming from with his decision and I wish him all the best.” Mackenzie made a total of 35 appearances for the club. Picture courtesy of Cutter Photography Graeme Macleod
