Local boy Gary McGowan is back in a Huntly shirt and “bursting at the seams” to kick off the Highland League season on Saturday.
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McGowan (35) completed a loan move from Banks o’ Dee to begin his fourth spell at Christie Park.
Having left Huntly for Formartine in 2019, he joined Dee this summer aiming to win a title before he retires.
"I want to thank Banks o' Dee in allowing me this loan move back to Huntly and the Highland League," he said.
“One of the main reasons I moved to the juniors was the try and win a league in my latter years.
"With the impact of Covid the normal junior league format won’t take place.
"Jamie Watt (Dee boss) was happy for me to go on loan and Huntly was my natural choice as it’s my home.
“Like me, I think every player in the league will be bursting at the seams for Saturday. Playing friendlies and training for so long isn’t anything like the real thing, and it’s great that’s it’s finally here.”
McGowan won the Highland League title in his first Huntly spell after starting with Caley Thistle. He left for stints at Deveronvale and Turriff before returning in 2016.
Now he is looking forward to working with new manager Allan Hale and assistant Stefan Laird.
“I don’t know Allan, but I have always heard positive things and he came across extremely professional when we spoke,” said McGowan.
“There are a lot of familiar faces in the squad, which helps with the move, and also some new additions, so we hope to be really competitive in the top half.”
McGowan may be in the twilight years of his career, but is in peak condition after catching the running bug during lockdown.
“I was running half marathons and have kept up the running as I thoroughly enjoy it,” he said.
“I believe I can score goals and help the team with my experience and passion.”
Huntly, who have also signed teenagers Joe Gauld and Jamie Boylan, kick off at Rothes on Saturday before playing last week’s postponed Aberdeenshire Cup quarter final tie at Keith on Wednesday.
The club has also announced the signing of Max McGinlay, son of former player and manager Dave.
