Elgin City’s preparations for the new season took a massive boost last night when manager Ross Jack confirmed the signings of three experienced recruits had been completed.
Fans were becoming increasingly nervous as former City stars and targets were lining up to join big-spending Highland League outfits – however, Jack continued to work hard to ensure that quality players with ambition to play at a higher level were secured in time for the campaign.
Jack secured former Inverness Caley forward Shane Sutherland, the 22-year-old agreeing to return to Borough Briggs, where he played during a loan spell three years ago, on a one-year deal.
The City boss also confirmed that forward Sam Urquhart had signed from Clachnacuddin, while the paperwork on former Peterhead goalkeeper Raymond Jellema was also wrapped up.
Jack said: “I’m looking forward to seeing Shane link up with Dennis Wyness and Craig Gunn, while we also have Adam McLeod and now Sam competing for places.
“Raymond did well when he turned out for us in pre-season and is an experienced goalkeeper, which completes another essential requirement for our squad.
“You have to work exceptionally hard to get the quality of players required to compete in the SPFL and while I can well understand that fans want to see the squad in place as early as possible my priority is always to ensure that we invest wisely.
“Shane was a long-term target and it was a massive deal for us to get our man, he had a number of other offers as you would expect for a player of his quality. The last time he was with us he led the line very well – he returns with three years experience under his belt at an SPL club and that is the kind of experience we need at Elgin City.
“Sam is another player that I’m confident will do very well for us, he can play anywhere along the front line and that is the sort of versatility you need in your squad.”
Meanwhile City continued their impressive pre-season form with a 4-0 win at Forres Mechanics on Friday evening. A double from midfielder Graeme Beveridge set up the win, with all four goals coming in a devastating opening 45 minutes from the Borough Briggs side.
Jamie Duff was on target as was new signing Shane Sutherland, scoring his second successive strike this week for his new side.