‘Summer of change’ continues at Nairn County as under-16s to get free entry to Highland League matches – but goalkeeper Dylan Maclean set to stick around after signing new contract at Station Park
Preparations for the 2024/25 Highland League season have continued in earnest at Nairn County.
The Wee County have unveiled their new home shirt for the upcoming season, featuring thin black stripes and the club’s new badge, as well as sponsors Murray Travel.
It will be available for purchase from the Town Barbers on Nairn’s High Street at the beginning of June.
Fixtures for the next Highland League campaign have also been released, with Ross Tokely’s men given a tricky start after the summer.
On the opening day of the season on Saturday, July 27, Nairn will travel to defending champions Buckie Thistle – although that match is subject to change depending on the Jags’ League Cup group stage fixture list.
Should there be a clash, Nairn’s first league game will take place on Wednesday, July 31 at Victoria Park.
The weekend after it does not get any easier, with 2023/24 runners up Brechin City due to make the journey to Station Park.
Nairn’s first scheduled midweek fixture of next season will be a derby away at Clachnacuddin on Wednesday, August 7, which is then set to be followed by a trip to another side who will hope to be in title contention, Banks O’Dee.
The first round of the Highland League Cup has also been slotted into the calendar, due to take place on Saturday, November 9.
With the fixture list being released, excitement will naturally begin to build about the return of football at Station Park, and season tickets are on sale at the same prices as last season.
Under-16s, though, will get free entry for all league matches in the 2024/25 campaign.
More good news in the meantime as goalkeeper Dylan Maclean has signed a new contract to remain at the club.
Maclean’s new deal will see him remain with Nairn until the summer of 2026.
The 28-year-old shot stopper has already spent eight seasons as the Wee County’s number one, having made his debut from the bench at home against Brora Rangers on September 9, 2015.
He made his first start in the same fixture on the opening day of the following season, and has since gone on to make 186 appearances for the club, keeping 40 clean sheets.
Maclean is a three-time supporters’ player of the year, and won his first piece of silverware in the North of Scotland Cup last season – having played a key role in the semi final win over Caley Thistle, saving the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.
Manager Ross Tokely was pleased to have tied down the shot-stopper, saying: "Dylan has been a regular part of the team for a number of years now and played in all but two of our games last season.
"Having played in front of him for the past season-and-a-half, I know how dependable Dylan is. He is capable of making some great saves throughout the season and is clearly a popular player with the supporters.
"I am delighted with the goalkeepers we have at the club and it is a clean slate when we come back after our summer break, so Dylan and the others will have the chance in training to show they can start the season as the club's number one."
