Inverness Caley Thistle legend set to make Highland League comeback tomorrow for Nairn County against Keith
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ROSS Tokely is set to make his Nairn County debut tomorrow at Keith after completing a deal last night.
The Caley Thistle legend and record appearance holder is back in the Highland League at the age of 43 after impressing manager Steven Mackay with fitness levels and form in the North Caledonian League.
Tokely enjoyed an incredible senior career after boyhood rejection by Aberdeen, joining Steve Paterson’s Caley Thistle from Huntly in 1996 and scaling the divisions all the way to the Premiership.
He made almost 600 appearances, winning three league titles and a Challenge Cup at the Caledonian Stadium, before finishing his SPFL career at Ross County.
Tokely then won the 2013/14 Highland League with Brora Rangers, later managing the club from December 2016 to May 2018. He has since played regularly with Tain St Duthus.
Nairn were set to release a statement on the signing last night, with Tokely agreeing terms initially through to the end of the season.
“He’s 43, yes, but probably as lean and trim as I’ve seen him since his Ross County days,” manager Mackay, who also played into his 40s, said. “He has looked after himself. I’ve seen his running times and I know it isn’t easy to run 40-minute 10ks.
“There is a really high level of fitness there. I know from personal experience it is difficult to play regularly in your 40s, but if you look after yourself the way he has then I don’t see it being a massive issue.
“All of the positives that come with Ross far outweigh the fact he’s 43. Yes, it will raise a few eyebrows, but we look at what he will bring to the team in terms of experience.
“He’s a born winner, a leader, he organises – all qualities we are needing at the club, given our position and the amount of goals we are leaking.
“I’m more than confident he will come in and make a massive impact. I know what Ross is like. He wouldn’t enter into this if he wasn’t ready for it.
“I know he is looking for a new challenge and quite excited about stepping back into the Highland League. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Mackay plans to use Tokely’s experience and communication skills in defence, with attacking traits an option should circumstances dictate. Nairn are also working on a player loan deal with an SPFL club.
