Double deals for Clach after Graham joins Brora Rangers
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CLACH boss Iain Polworth has snapped up Brora Rangers pair Ally Ridgers and Ryan Watson as part of a deal which saw striker Scott Graham head North to join the Highland League champions.
The Lilywhites manager had been resigned to losing Graham, who had a transfer request accepted last week, but was thrilled to bolster his squad with the title-winning duo when the deals went through on Monday evening.
Experienced Ridgers (31) will be well known to the Lilies faithful, after enjoying a spell at the club from 2005-2007.
The ex-Caley Thistle stopper, brother of new St Mirren goalkeeper Mark and Strathspey Thistle custodian Willie, was forced to settle for a place on the Cattachs bench behind former Ross County man Joe Malin last season, but Polworth will be looking for him to challenge John Campbell for the number one shirt.
He said: "Ally has vast experience, but obviously the form of Joe Malin has kept him out of their side.
"It’s a position we never really had competition for, with only young Aidan MacDonald challenging John Campbell, so now we’ll have three goalkeepers and I’ll look forward to the three of them working together."
Midfielder Watson (20) came through the Caley Thistle youth system before signing for Brora last summer.
The highly-rated youngster couldn’t force his way into boss Davie Kirkwood’s first 11 but Polworth backs him to make a bigger impact in Merkinch.
He said: "Ryan is a young boy who’s worked his way up through the ranks at Caley Thistle.
"For one reason or another it didn’t work out for him at Brora but I’m sure he’ll do well for us."
Frontman Graham’s switch has been the talk of the town this summer, with Nairn County also in the hunt for the player.
The 26-year-old confirmed on his Facebook page on Monday night that the deal was done.
It said: "Absolutely delighted to announce I’ve signed for Brora Rangers. Took a while to do, but delighted nonetheless. Had the best three season at Clach and wish them all the very best for the future. Debut will be against The Rangers as well. Safe to say I’m buzzing for that."
