New Nairn County boss explains why he is getting back into management
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Nairn County have confirmed Ross Tokely has been appointed as the new manager of the Highland League club.
The 45-year-old has been revealed as the new boss at Station Park, after agreeing a three-year deal, as he replaces Steven Mackay who stood down at the end of last season.
Tokely will be joined in the dugout by Brian Macleod who has been promoted to assistant manager with former St Duthus manager Alan Geegan and Nairn County midfielder Wayne Mackintosh as first team coaches.
They are joining existing goalkeeping coach, Calum McKenzie and physiotherapist Greig Smith.
Tokely previously was manager at Brora Rangers between 2016 and 2018, before returning to playing with St Duthus in the North Caledonian League.
He then signed for Nairn County in 2022 and became a regular feature in the club’s defence. He was part of the team that won the North of Scotland Cup last season.
Speaking about becoming the club’s new manager, Tokely says he is looking forward to the challenge.
Ross said: "It is an honour for me to have been appointed manager of the club. I would like to thank the chairman and the management committee for the faith they have shown in me.
"I already know the club and the squad having been a player here for the last season-and-a-half and that was one of the main factors which interested me in the position when Steven announced that he would be standing down.
"Steven will be a tough act to follow - he has done a fantastic job but he leaves behind an excellent squad of players who I am excited about working with.
“There is a lot of fantastic players at the club and having tasted a bit of success last season, I will be doing my utmost to help them improve individually and collectively as a team and we can hopefully kick on again.”
Speaking about his management team, Tokely said: "I am delighted that Brian, Alan and Wayne have agreed to join my Management Team. Brian has done an excellent job as part of the previous Management Team and is already well-known to and respected by the players.
“I know Alan really well from our time together at St Duthus and he has done a great job there since taking over as Manager. I have liked what I have seen from Wayne when he was coaching our Under-18s team and he already has the respect of the First Team squad, which is important. I have no doubts at all that the players will enjoy working under these coaches."
He added: "I am also looking forward to getting to know the people behind the scenes at the club a bit better and the fans as well. I can assure the supporters we will be doing our best to put a winning team on the park come the start of the season, which will hopefully lead to some exciting football and more memorable moments for you.
"I feel this is the right time for me to get back into management at the right club, so I cannot wait to get started and I am already excited for the start of the season in July."
Chairman Mark Kelman says he is pleased Tokely has accepted the position and is confident he will be a success in the role.
He said: "We are delighted to confirm Ross as our new Manager after a strong and robust recruitment process.
"The calibre of applicants was exceptionally high and I would like to thank everyone who expressed an interest in the position.
"We feel we have identified the right man for the job who aligns with the ambitions of the club and can drive high standards across the board at Station Park.
"Steven has left us on a positive footing, so it was important for us to identify someone who could build upon that and take the club forward. Ross ticked all the right boxes in that regard and came across extremely well in the interview process. He has a clear plan for the club and demonstrated a passion and desire to develop and improve the players in the squad and strengthening in some key areas.
"I am excited about what the future holds with Ross as Manager of Nairn County and the Management Committee will do everything we can to provide the support he requires."
