New midfield signing ticks all boxes for Locos boss

Inverurie Locos manager Andy Low says Hamish Ritchie ticks all the boxes he looks for in a new signing.

The Railwaymen have signed the 22-year-old midfielder on a two-year contract.

Ritchie has returned to Scotland having spent four years in America playing for Hartwick College in New York and Seattle University. Before heading to the States he starred as a teenager in the Highland League for Keith.

Once Low heard Ritchie was returning to the northeast he was eager to secure his capture.

The Harlaw Park boss said: “There were guys who were aware of him and we had contact with them and Neil McLean played for the same team Hamish was at over in America, Hartwick College.

“So Neil mentioned initially that he was potentially coming back and from there he ticked all the boxes for me.

“He wants to progress his career potentially higher than the Highland League which I like because it means he’ll have the right attitude and be professional and that’s exactly what I want at the club. I think when outside of family and their normal job football is the most important thing to players it’s good because they want to progress to a higher level.

“It means that those players are willing to learn and want to push Locos up higher and I’m looking forward working with Hamish and he’ll complement the other ambitious guys at the club.”

Low believes his time in America will only have helped Ritchie.

He added: “He was a standout for Keith before he went to America and he’s progressed his career over there and matured as a person.

“I’d also like to thank the committee for backing me with this signing. During these difficult times it’s great to have the support and trust they’ve given me.”

Hamish Ritchie: Starred for Keith as a teenager