The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
New striker still the priority for Peterhead
Bringing in a new striker remains a priority for Peterhead boss Jim McInally.
Veteran Derek Lyle is on his radar after his release from Queen of the South and a deal has been offered to former Caley Thistle youngster Andrew Macrae, with a decision expected when he returns from holiday.
Rory McAllister and Russell McLean remain from last season but Karim Belmokhtar was let go and Allan Smith joined Edinburgh City, leaving McInally shy in the forward area.
Lyle has had an extensive career with Queens, featuring in three separate spells and making more than 300 appearances for the Dumfries outfit. He has also played for Partick Thistle, Dundee, Hamilton, Morton and Cowdenbeath.
McInally said: “I haven’t spoken to him but he’s quite friendly with Willie Gibson and he’s spoken to him.
“I think Derek’s got higher aspirations than Peterhead but, with him being close with Willie, he knows how well the boys are looked after here. I don’t know when Andrew (Macrae) is back from holiday but he’s one I’m pretty keen on getting in.
“Simon Ferry phoned me during the week about a couple of players that I was surprised would want to play for us but they were in positions we didn’t need.”
McInally had been offered experienced striker Peter MacDonald, formerly of St Johnstone, Morton and Stirling Albion, but declined to make an offer and retains an interest in Paul Willis, who ended the season at Berwick Rangers. By the time the squad meets up again next weekend, McInally is also hoping to have goalkeeping cover for Greg Fleming.
The Blue Toon were pitted against Queen’s Park in their first game of the new League 2 season when the fixtures were released yesterday, starting the campaign at Balmoor before a trip to another relegated side Albion Rovers a week later.
McInally added: “It’s good to get a home game to start with. The way the Betfred Cup fixtures worked out, we have a free Saturday before that, so I’ll check the games and see if there’s a chance to go and watch them.
“They’re a bit of an unknown because they always seem to lose a few players but Gus (MacPherson) does brilliantly to get new bodies in.
“We quickly play Stirling Albion and Clyde and I think those two will be up there challenging.” paid for Edouard’s services is money well spent.
He said: “We are delighted to make such an important signing.
“Odsonne is one of the best young players I have worked with and one of the best in Europe.
“Our fans saw exactly what he is capable of last season and we look forward to working with him again as we look to build on the tremendous success we achieved last year. I am sure he will be a big player again for us this season.”
Celtic called the signing the “biggest transfer” in their history but did not disclose the fee paid. Their previous record stood at the £6m paid for John Hartson and Chris Sutton.
Edouard said: “From the moment I walked into Celtic, the club has felt like home to me.”