Martin’s a keeper at Clachnacuddin – for now!
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JORDAN MacDonald believes Clachnacuddin have secured the best goalkeeper in the Highland League after tying up Martin MacKinnon through to summer 2023.
The former Caley Thistle youth agreed a one-year extension despite rival north outfits vying for his services.
The 21-year-old’s impact at Grant Street Park has been impressive, having signed only a short-term deal last summer after release by Caley Jags.
Manager MacDonald reckons the Lilywhites’ faithful should enjoy their new favourite while they can, given his promise.
“I’ve never hidden the fact I think Martin is the best goalkeeper in the Highland League,” the Lilys’ boss said.
“He’s that good – he has everything a top goalkeeper needs.
“He’s signed a new one-year extension with us and we’re absolutely over the moon. Martin knows what we think of him and how good we believe he can be. He has been unbelievable for us and long may it continue
“Martin definitely deserves to play at a higher level. The longer he is with us the better, but we’re not naive enough to think that will last forever.
“He’s phenomenal. He’s got everything – handling, technique, ability coming for crosses, shot-stopping, penalty saves.
“He’s had the benefit of working with guys like Ryan Esson at Caley Thistle and you can see it. Keeping him on board for another year is brilliant news for the football club and for Martin.”
MacDonald’s glowing praise came on the back of MacKinnon and Clach losing seven goals without reply away to title-chasing Fraserburgh at the weekend, but the manager was clear that the blame lay elsewhere.
“Thankfully Martin was in goal for us on Saturday or else it would have been more,” MacDonald stressed.
“There are no excuses – Saturday just wasn’t acceptable and won’t be accepted.
“Fraserburgh were good but when you don’t do the basics, the simple things, you ain’t going to win football games.
“That is the first time that’s happened to us since we came in as a management team.
“Everything we’re good at, we didn’t do. We made the goals easy for Fraserburgh and they were absolutely clinical.
“It is simply not acceptable and it won’t be accepted. When you play one of the best teams in the league, you have to maximise the workrate and desire – that’s basic. That should be non-negotiable.”
