Steven Mackay wants to bring the Breedon Highland League title back to Brora Rangers after sensationally returning for a second spell as Cattachs manager.
Mackay and assistant David Hind have signed three-year contracts with the Dudgeon Park outfit after Ally MacDonald stepped down as boss.
As a player, Mackay – who was manager of Nairn County for 18 months before resigning earlier this month – signed for Brora in 2012.
He then stepped up to become player-manager in 2018 before resigning in August 2021.
In those nine years as player and manager, Mackay helped the Cattachs win four league titles, five North of Scotland Cups and one GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup.
The Sutherland club haven’t been league champions since the Covid-19 disrupted 2020-21 campaign when Mackay was in charge – and he’s determined to change that.
He said: “I know what the board at Brora want to achieve and it’s aligned with what myself and David want to achieve – that’s to win the Highland League and we’re very clear about that.
“Winning the league has always been a prerequisite for Brora in the time I’ve been with the club.
“When I first joined in 2012, it was the ambition and it’s been the same every season since.
“That will be the case next season, as it will be for five or six other clubs.
“It’s our job to make sure we have a strong enough squad to compete for the title. That’s got to be the number one objective.”
New faces on the agenda at Brora Rangers
To challenge for silverware next season ,Mackay is prepared to be busy in the transfer market.
Following their final game of the season, which took place on Saturday, Cattachs stalwarts MacDonald, Joe Malin, Dale Gillespie and Paul Brindle retired.
As well as bringing in new players, Mackay is looking to recruit a first-team coach and goalkeeping coach.
He added: “This feels like a bit of a transition moment for the club.
“Typically players don’t leave Brora that often and particularly a group of players who have been such a massive part of the success over the last decade.
“Ally, Joe, Dale and Paul have all made a phenomenal contribution and they’ve been fundamental to the success Brora’s had.
🔴 4 – 0 ⚪️ 63’ Shortly after the fourth, Super Joe Malin is replaced by Danny. The ground applauds our stopper as he leaves the field pic.twitter.com/xP8eqLadcP
— Brora Rangers (@brorarangers) April 27, 2024
“There are huge voids to fill, but there’s an opportunity for a new set of players to create their own history and become club legends.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what’s available and what the market looks like.
“We’ve got targets in mind already and there’s definitely business to be done.”
Steven Mackay’s experience gained elsewhere
Since leaving Brora in 2021, Mackay has spent time as assistant manager at League Two side Elgin City and had a spell playing for Rothes.
Most recently he was player-manager of Nairn County and guided them to the North of Scotland Cup last November.
Reflecting on his time away from Brora, Mackay said: “I’ve gained experience and been exposed to different clubs, changing rooms, mentalities and a different league.
“I think my understanding of the game and tactical awareness has increased.
“As time passes, you learn more about players, how to manage them and what does and doesn’t work.
“I’ve always assessed myself and what I can improve on, and I take those things with me coming back to Brora.”
New boss Mackay gets board backing
Meanwhile, chairman Scott Mackay has revealed the Brora board are ready to back their new manager to be successful.
He said: “Steven has a proven track record and he’s a winner.
“What he did with Nairn this season was very impressive as well, so it was quite an easy decision for us to go for Steven.
“Our ambition is to win the league and then give promotion our best shot in the play-offs.
“We need to be ambitious and winning the league is what we hope to do.
“There’s quite a big rebuild to do given the players who have stepped away.
“But Steven has targets which we’ve discussed, and the board will support the new management team to bring in the players that are required.
“I think this appointment is the beginning of an exciting new era.”
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