Transfer News: County Complete First Summer Signing
Former Inverness CT defender Billy Horne has become Nairn County's first capture of the close season after penning a three-year deal with the club which will keep him at Station Park until the summer of 2011.
The 18-year-old centre back joined up with Les Fridge's side for the start of pre-season training last week and his transfer from the SPL club has now been finalised.
Breaking the news to Nairn County FC Online earlier today, Fridge said: "Billy can play either at centre half or full back and left Inverness CT in the summer. He is a big, strong lad and is about 6'3 in height which will stand him in good stead for the Highland League."
The manager added that Horne rejected the chance to remain at the Caledonian Stadium after starring for the Inverness side's under-19 team last season. Fridge said: "He was offered the chance to go full time through at Caley at the end of last season but he turned it down to become an apprentice joiner with his Dad's firm. So we were delighted he agreed to come here and to get him tied up."
The defence was an area that Fridge stated last week he was hoping to strengthen following the departure of Martin Sanderson at the end of last season and the capture of Horne will help fill the void left by the consistent ex-Clach man. Fridge said: "We have been looking out for defenders throughout the summer and with Martin Sanderson leaving, we were a little light in that area.
"Like I say, Billy is a big, strapping guy although he is young and still learning the game but I'm sure he will fit in well with the rest of the squad."
Horne joins a host of other young players at the club, some of whom have been brought the Station Park youth ranks while others have been acquired from the local SFL and SPL clubs. Several have been sent out on loan to the junior ranks to further their development and gain some much-needed first team football but Fridge does not envisage Horne having to go down the same route. The manager said: "We do have boys here around about his age that will go out on loan and we will review that as we go. But we are looking for him to be involved with the first team next season. He has come in and looked very comfortable with the rest of the squad. To look at him, you wouldn't think he was a young boy because he is built like a man."
Meanwhile, the club have confirmed two further pre-season friendly fixtures. Fridge's side will take on Inverness City - who have just been admitted to the north juniors setup - away from home on Saturday July 12 and Division One junior outfit Strathspey Thistle away on July 19. Both games kick off at 3 pm.