Brora Rangers club captain Steven Mackay’s proposed move to Highland League champions Cove Rangers is off.
The 35-year-old was poised to join the Aberdeen club on Friday and had hoped to play in the Aber-deenshire Cup final on Saturday after agreeing personal terms with manager John Sheran and the clubs agreeing a transfer fee.
But the transfer floundered and Mackay came off the bench and scored Brora’s fourth goal during their 5-0 win against Strathspey Thistle on Saturday.
Although a transfer fee had been agreed, an 11th hour change of heart by Brora directors after a meeting scuppered the move.
On October 5, former Cattachs forward John McLeod scored a brace for Buckie as the Jags thumped the Sutherland side 5-0 at Victoria Park and board members felt lightning could strike twice if another of the club’s best players was sold to a title rival at a knockdown price.
The champions’ manager John Sheran said: “As far as we have been told, the deal is dead.
“I am not going to say any more on the matter.”
Brora manager Grant Munro is happy veteran former Ross County, Elgin and Peterhead forward Mackay will not be joining one of his club’s main rivals for the league champion-ship and added: “Steven still has a huge part to play in my plans.
“He is in the squad for Saturday’s home game against Fort William.
“He came off the bench and scored at Grantown and could have had a couple more goals, but he certainly stretched and tested the Strathspey defence even more when he came on.
“I have had no problem with Steven’s attitude, his professionalism has always been top-notch. I didn’t expect anything different from a player of his experience and quality.
“His leadership has always been a great example for the younger players to follow.
“I’ve played alongside him at Brora for four seasons so I know his strengths and weaknesses, he has been a fantastic player for Brora and I’m sure he still will be as I certainly don’t want him to go anywhere.”