Manson:Future looksbrightat Wick.

Manager ties up out-of-contract players with an eye on a few more

Wick Academy boss Gary Manson hopes to tie up the remainder of his out-of-contract squad in the next week.

The Scorries announced eight players had signed new deals a week ago, with Manson expecting at least another four players to commit their futures to the club.

An unusual circumstance of around 14 players being out of contract had meant a busy period for the new manager, who was installed in permanent charge last month. As well as organising his playing squad, he has been trying to finalise a backroom team for when training can resume.

Jack Halliday, Ryan Campbell, Craig Gunn, Jonah Martens, Gordon Clark, Ross Allan, Alan Hughes and Jack Henry all signed on for the new season last week, with Manson expecting more developments to come.

He said: “I don’t know how it’s happened, with 14 players being out of contract, but they were always going to sign. It was just a matter of getting them sat down to sign the contracts.

“It’s good to have them over the line and to know exactly what I have to work with when we get back.

“There should be news out this week with hopefully another batch of four or five signed up.

“The squad is wellbalanced. We do have experienced, older heads like Craig Gunn and Richard Macadie, guys that have been there and done it.

“Then there’s the guys in their mid-20s trying to force their way into the Highland League reckon, followed by young guys looking to prove themselves. If I can add one or two to help them out then I’d be happy.” Long-serving midfielder Sam Mackay retired from football at the end of last season, while Manson does not intend to play much this season, although he will remain registered as a player. Centre-half Grant Steven is out long-term with a knee injury while 17-year-old Mark Macadie will join up with the firstteam squad this season.

Wick’s record appearance-holder is keen to look at options to improve the club’s youth set-up, particularly providing a pathway for players to make the jump from the under-17s to the first-team. They do not have an under-20s side.

Manson said: “There’s a lot of expense involved in running an under-20s team. I know Nairn County have put a team into the North Caledonian League, which would be the ideal solution, but because of where we are the costs of running buses might be a stretch too far.”