The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Brora legends ready for a fond farewell
It will be the end of an era for Brora Rangers today as a host of club legends bow out when they finish their season against Turriff United.
Player-manager Ally MacDonald, goalkeeper Joe Malin, midfielder Dale Gillespie and attacker Paul Brindle are all leaving the Cattachs following this afternoon’s fixture at King George V Park in Golspie.
They have been key to Brora’s success over the last decade or so. The Sutherland side have won four Breedon Highland League titles, three GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cups and six North of Scotland Cups since 2013.
Former Ross County and Elgin City goalkeeper Malin arrived at Dudgeon Park in 2013 and has been there ever since.
The 35-year-old said: “It will be emotional after the game thinking that’s a chapter of my life done with. I’ve had a great time and I wouldn’t change a single thing.
“I had good experiences being full-time at Ross County. I was part of a title-winning squads and involved in a Scottish Cup final (in 2010), although I was never the undisputed number one. On loan at Elgin was good as well and I got to play at Ibrox, but there have been so many highlights at Brora. The first two seasons when we won the league stand out but being part of the rise of the club during my time has been great. It’s been a special period for Brora playing with lots of special players.”
Explaining his decision to retire, Malin added: “I’ve got an 18-month-old daughter (Reeva) and my life changed when she arrived. Playing part-time football is a big commitment on top of family and work commitments as well.
“Age and the way my body is feeling is another factor. After I ruptured my Achilles 18 months ago my body hasn’t been the same. I’ve never been 100% and I don’t think I’ll ever get back to that. Winning the Highland League Cup this season was a nice way to finish.”
Meanwhile, Clachnacuddin have completed a double signing from Strathspey Thistle with midfielders Jack Mackay and Jack Davison joining the Lilywhites on two-year deals.