The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Tokely handed reins as the new Nairn boss
Ross Tokely is eager to carry on Nairn County’s progression after being handed a return to management at Station Park.
Tokely has been handed the reins on a deal until 2027, following the departure of Steven Mackay earlier this month.
It comes just a fortnight after defender Tokely called time on his near 30-year playing career, of which he spent the last year-and-a-half with County.
The 45-year-old, who is Caley Thistle’s record appearance holder, had a previous management stint with Brora Rangers, during which time he guided the Cattachs to a last-16 tie against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup.
Six years on, having since combined playing spells with St Duthus and Nairn with a coaching role with Inverness’s under-16s, Tokely felt the chance to lead County forward was too much to resist.
He said: “I didn’t really have plans to go back into management to be honest.
“But after being at the club for a year and a half, and the affection I have for the club, I just felt it was a good move for me.
“I just felt that I wanted a second crack at it – and Nairn was an ideal club to do it at. There are really good people at the club. I like the way it’s run and I couldn’t really turn it down - I just felt it was right.
“I enjoyed my time at Brora and I felt I did a good enough job there. Towards the end it became a bit harder than I thought and it took up a lot of my time and thoughts.
“I’m just in a really good place now – and feel like I’ve got a lot to offer the club. Hopefully we can improve on the good work Steven and David Hind did at the club – which will be a tough ask.”
Tokely will be assisted by Brian MacLeod who remains at the club having been part of Mackay’s coaching team.
Alan Geegan, who this week stepped down as manager of St Duthus, has been drafted in as first-team coach, while Wayne MacKintosh will take up a player-coach role.
Tokely feels he has a strong support network behind him, adding: “I have put in a strong management team.
“They are all really good football guys. To have that support is key for me. I spoke to Alan who is really keen to progress. When I played at Tain I liked how he was with the lads. It’s a step up for him, but he’s keen to progress his career in full-time football.
“Brian MacLeod staying is key. He’s a really good coach, I could see when I was playing that he’s got the respect of the players. Wayne is a big part of that as well. He has worked with the under-18s and still has a major part to play on the pitch as well.
“Graeme Macleod, as director of football, puts in a lot of hard work that goes unnoticed. I’m delighted he’s there and I will certainly bounce a lot of stuff off him.”