Commitment to young players paying dividends for Locos
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Inverurie Locos’ commitment to giving young players every chance to blossom at Harlaw Park has been demonstrated again with Kai Henderson, Harrison Hinks, Fraser Bruce and Jay Halliday the latest of the “Andy Low lineage” to dedicate themselves to the famous Railwaymen.
Boss Andy Low said “It’s great to be able to reward these four lads with new contracts and it further strengthens the future of the club.
"In Harrison and Kai’s cases, both players were already contracted to the club but we are delighted they have agreed to extend for a further year after effectively missing a season due to Covid.
"Both players are progressing really well and were having a good start to the season with Colony Park.
"We will look to integrate them into our squad during pre-season and assess the situation again and choose what is best for their development.
"We have a great relationship with Colony Park that the clubs are keen to keep nurturing as both players are at an age were regular football is so important.
"Fraser and Jay have trained regularly with the first team for a year now and have also performed very well for the U19s and U20s side over the last couple of years so it is great to be able reward them with first team contracts which further shows the pathway we look to put in place for young players.
"We see both players having a big future at Locos and they will certainly be given the opportunities to show what they can do.
"They will also be integrated into the squad in pre-season and we will decide what is best for their immediate future after that.
"All four players have shown a fantastic attitude and eagerness to learn particularly over the last year and we value that highly at the club”.
Inverurie Loco Works also confirmed that their record senior appearance maker and their leading all time senior goalscorer have signed contract extensions.
Commenting on Neil McLean and Neil Gauld news Andy continued: "I am absolutely delighted these two lads have committed to the club for next season and hopefully beyond that.
"I have so much respect for their fantastic achievements to date.
"My focus is on improving the team for the future where Nacho and Gauldy will have their part to play on and off the park.
"Both players still play at a very high level with so much to offer and their experience is going to be important for the squad we are putting together now. I am sure the fans will be as delighted as we are to see them continue to play their football at Harlaw Park”.
Andy Hunter has also signed a contract extension on which boss Andy added: “It’s great to get Andy signed up on a long term deal and I believe this will now give the player the platform to return to his best form with the club after a frustrating period.
"It was clear from recent discussions that we have had with Andy that he wants to play his football for Inverurie Locos so I am delighted with the commitment he has shown to the club.
"He is at a great age now where he is maturing and should be reaching his peak years, and there is no doubt when Andy is playing at a high level, he is a top Highland League forward player that will contribute a lot to the team.”.
Over at Peterhead FC manager Jim McInally was delighted to see Loco's loan player Hamish Ritchie grab his first senior goal in the club's 1-1 draw at Forfar.
The on-loan midfielder ghosted in behind the home defence to slide the Blue Toon into the lead with Jim saying: “Hamish has done well for us since joining last month.
"He is technically a very good footballer who is comfortable on the ball and it was no surprise to me that he remained calm when he had his chance and flicked the ball into the net.”
“It will have been a great feeling for him to score at this level and well done to him.”
