Former Inverness Caley Thistle skipper Gary Warren will help improve entire Clachnacuddin squad, says new manager Jordan Macdonald after tempting defender to Highland League
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Gary Warren’s capture brings Clach “everything we’ve been looking for”, according to manager Jordan Macdonald.
The Lilywhites pulled off what is sure to be one of the Highland League signings of the summer by snapping up the Caley Thistle legend on a one-year deal, with the option of a second year.
Warren skippered the bigger city club and was a key figure through the most successful period in its history, with top three and four finishes, Scottish Cup glory and Europa League involvement in six seasons up to 2018.
At 37, he remains a very capable performer after subsequent spells with Yeovil Town, Exeter City, Torquay United and Tiverton Town in his native south-west of England.
The experience Warren will add to a young, talented and rapidly developing Merkinch squad excites Macdonald.
“Gary brings experience, the lot really, everything we’ve been looking for,” MacDonald said.
“When the opportunity arose, the club did everything we could to get it over the line. A lot of people were involved to get it done.
“We got there, and it is a fantastic signing. Gary has been an absolute gentleman to deal with. We’ve had excellent conversations and his desire and hunger to keep playing was abundantly clear.
“I’m sure we weren’t the only ones after him, but all that matters is that we’ve managed to bring him on board.”
Warren these days works in education as a sports science lecturer and holds PE teaching qualifications, as well as UEFA A and B licences. His great affinity to the Highlands has drawn him and his family back and he will relocate in early July.
Macdonald added: “We have built a really young team and Gary has spoken about how he wants to help them and pass on his knowledge. It won’t just be the back four, it will be the whole team that benefits.”
