Family matters to home-loving Josh

Josh Meekings knew the time was right to step away from fulltime football and Brora Rangers provided the avenue to do it.

Some may have raised eyebrows on seeing Meekings – a Scottish Cup winner with Caley Thistle in 2015 – signing with the Highland League champions, but to him it makes perfect sense.

Relocating to the Highlands this summer with his partner Grace, who hails from Inverness, was a concrete decision to put roots down.

The couple have a young daughter, Ruby, and see the city as a perfect place for her to grow up.

Talks were held with Championship, League One and League Two clubs, including the Caley Jags, but Brora suited him.

Meekings has qualified as a sports massage therapist and will assess his options off the park now that his football arrangements are finalised.

“It just feels like the right time to make the transition,” Meekings said.

“There were League One and League Two teams showing interest, but it was all about my family now.

“I try to be realistic. I’m 28 and I’ve had an injury struck last few years. It would be difficult to get back and make an impact in the Scottish Premiership.

“I’ve got a young family and I want to prepare and make sure I’m in a good position when I stop.

“People have a perception that football is glamorous. It means dragging your family around and following where football goes. You can have some fantastic times, but there comes a time where you have to sit down and think ‘Do I want to keep doing this?’

“We get good money, but not life-changing money. I’m proud to have achieved what I have and wish I could have done more.

“I’m extremely grateful for the professional career I have had, but there’s more to life than football.”

Meekings had latterly been with Wealdstone in the National League North, prior to an ankle injury ending his season early. He had moved back home to Suffolk last year after leaving Dundee.

Brora train in Inverness where most of their players are based, before travelling north to the Sutherland village for games.

Meekings can see the perception that it might be a move indicating his career is winding down. However, he still has ambitions, which have been mirrored by meeting the Brora directors and manager Steven Mackay.

The Cattachs missed out on promotion to the SPFL after a play-off defeat to Kelty Hearts, which has strengthened their resolve to finally make the step up.

“That’s where I firmly stand – we have to aim for the title,” he added. “Brora will try to implement what Kelty Hearts have done and I will be right there all the way trying to do that.”

A pre-season friendly against Caley Thistle later this month at Dudgeon Park will give Meekings the chance to say farewell to some of the club’s fans.

It remains a great regret for him how his time at

Inverness ended. A serious knee problem kept him sidelined for their relegation battle in 2017 and he could only watch on as they went down.

He was let go that summer, resurrecting his career with a move to Dundee under Neil McCann.

Meekings said: “I always said it left a sour taste, as I didn’t get the chance to say thanks to the club for what it gave me. Hopefully there will be enough fans there to show my appreciation. It’ll be nice to play in front of Inverness fans again.”

The centre-back also wished to pay tribute to his former team-mate Carl Tremarco, who has announced he is retiring.

Tremarco won the Scottish Cup alongside Meekings six years ago and had spent the last season at Ross County, after 204 appearances for Inverness.

“He’s had a fantastic career and I’m pleased to have played alongside him,” said Meekings.

“We’ve shared some fantastic memories. He’s based up here and it’ll be nice to see him again.”

PERFECT SENSE: Josh Meekings says his move to Brora Rangers was based on keeping his family happy.