‘Securing Meekings is a sign of the club’s aspirations’ – Mackay

Manager Steven Mackay believes the signing of Josh Meekings is a massive statement from Brora Rangers.

The 28-year-old defender has penned a three-year contract with the Cattachs, subject to SFA clearance.

Meekings arrived in Scotland in 2011 when he signed for Inverness Caley Thistle.

During a six-year spell in the Highland capital, the Englishman helped the Caley Jags win the Scottish Cup in 2015 and finish third in the Premiership.

In 2017 Meekings joined Dundee before moving on to National League side Wealdstone last summer.

Brora boss Mackay is thrilled to have brought him to Dudgeon Park.

The Sutherland side are once again aiming to win the Highland League title and promotion to the SPFL via the pyramid play-offs in the new season after losing to Kelty Hearts in the playoffs last month.

Mackay said: “It’s a massive signing for us. Over the last three seasons when I’ve been manager I think defensively we’ve been solid.

“But when someone like Josh becomes available, who is based up in the Highlands, we would always try to attract him to the club.

“We’re absolutely delighted to sign Josh and it adds further strength to an already strong backline

“He’s played the majority of his football in the Premiership and was part of an incredible Scottish Cup win for Caley Thistle.

“Josh was fundamental in that success. He’s a proven leader on and off the park.

“It’s a real coup for our club to be able to sign someone of that stature, particularly the age he’s at as well; he’s only 28 and you could argue he’s just entering his peak years.

“It’s a massive statement from the club to be able to get Josh on board. He has been great to deal with in terms of buying into what we want to do.

“We’ve been very vocal about our aspirations to try to secure the Highland League and get into the SPFL through the play-offs.

“I think the play-off experience, as painful as it was for us, in hindsight has given myself and the club a little bit of a reality check.

“We didn’t quite have the calibre of player required to make the jump.

“I’ve got full confidence in our squad, but we were lacking a little bit of experience.”

Meanwhile, Brora have also secured long-serving goalkeeper Joe Malin on a new two-year contract.