Nairn County goalscoring great Conor Gethins linked with Clach's managerial vacancy

Nairn County legend Conor Gethins is understood to be one of the leading contenders for Clachnacuddin’s managerial vacancy.

The Northern Irishman, now in the twilight of a prolific Highland League career, has made no secret of his desire to progress to management.

And it is understood current club Nairn have made it clear the 39-year-old would be allowed to leave with their good wishes to grasp the opportunity, should Clach offer him the job.

Gethins, nicknamed the Loch Ness Messi by the Wee County faithful, signed a new contract in the summer after passing the 200-goal career milestone for Nairn this year.

He is closing in on 400 goals for his entire career.

Just over a year ago, he was disappointed to be pipped to the Station Park job by current Nairn boss Steven Mackay.

Born in Lifford on the Northern Irish border, the striker came to Scotland as a teenager in 2001 after being scouted by Ross County at Ireland's famous Milk Cup youth tournament. He scored 11 goals in 68 appearances for the Staggies.

Spells at Stirling, Peterhead, Nairn and Formartine followed before a return to Station Park in October 2021.

A Nairn source said: “Conor has the club’s full backing. It would be a really good opportunity for him to enter management.”

Clach sacked Jordan MacDonald a week ago after an 8-0 beating by Huntly brought the Lilywhites’ winless start to the season to eight games.

MacDonald had held the post since September 2020 when he replaced Sandy McLeod.

Clach, three points above bottom of the table and point-less Strathspey Thistle, have still to secure their first win of the season.

But there was encouragement on Saturday after a third draw of the campaign against Banks O’Dee, with the game in Aberdeen ending 2-2.

Deveronvale crashed to a 3-1 home defeat to Nairn County, with Ben Kelly and Ciaran Young sending the visitors 2-0 up inside 15 minutes.

Fraser Dingwall headed in a third after the interval with Mikey Watson's late goal was just a consolation for Vale.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.