Glenn Main says it has been a pleasure to play for Nairn County after making the difficult decision to leave Station Park.
The Wee County’s record appearance holder decided to move on after being told his game time would be limited going forward.
Main, 37, grew up supporting Nairn and came through the youth ranks before making his debut in May 2003.
After three seasons with Juniors Nairn St Ninian – the first two being on-loan – he returned to County in 2007 and has been there ever since.
The man who has played in defence, midfield and upfront during that time racked up 496 appearances and scored 22 goals.
Main helped Nairn win the Highland League Cup in 2011 and the North of Scotland Cup a year later.
He said: “It was never about numbers or money for me, it was about playing for the team I grew up supporting.
“I used to jump over the fence as a boy to play on Station Park on a Sunday afternoon when there was nobody there.
“We used to jump over the fence and the nets would still be up and we’d play for hours on the pitch until we got chased off by the groundsman.
“But we’d wait until he went away and we’d be straight back on.
“It’s been a pleasure to play nearly 500 games for the club – when I was young I would have bit your hand off to play one.”
Main still wants to play
Main is keen to continue playing, and added: “Steven Mackay had a conversation with me and basically said that game time would be very limited with the way he’s wanting to do things.
“That’s his call, he’s the manager and it’s up to him to take the team in the direction he wants.
“I thought about it overnight and had a bit of a sleepless night really, but I phoned him and decided that would be it.
“If I’m not going to play, I felt it would be best to move on.
“I appreciated Steven’s honesty and the decision I made was difficult.
“One of the reasons for deciding to leave is because I still feel I can play at this level.
“I’m still fit enough and I want to be playing football rather than watching it.
“I’d like to keep playing, whether it’s at Highland League or Junior level. When that will be I don’t know, but I do feel I can still play.”
‘It’s a great club’
Main regards winning the Highland League Cup and playing with people he calls friends, rather than just team-mates, as the highlights of his time at Station Park.
And he hopes manager Steven Mackay can lead the Wee County to silverware.
He said: “Winning the Highland League Cup was massive and I managed to score in the final as well -which was a rare occurrence.
“But the best thing was getting to play with a lot of my friends like my younger brother Gregg, Wayne Mackintosh, Paul MacLeod, Callum Donaldson – guys that I came through the youth system with me.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing with some phenomenal players over the years.
“The club’s got a new manager in Steven and a few new board members and there’s massive aspiration there, so hopefully they can get the club back winning trophies and back where it deserves to be.
“It’s a great club Nairn, there’s a great board and people behind the scenes – like at every Highland League club – who give up hours and hours of their time for the club.”
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