Rothes have turned to one of their former players to try to solve the club’s defensive problems.
Iain MacRae, who spent 11 years with Rothes before signing for Buckie Thistle, where he has spent the last five seasons, made his second debut for the Speysiders in the 5-0 defeat at Deveronvale last Saturday.
The 31-year-old central defender believes better times are coming for Rothes after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club.
MacRae said: “I was in and out of the Buckie team at the start of the season and then, for some reason, I wasn’t playing at all. So, when the opportunity came along to come back to Rothes, I decided to make the move. I need to be playing football at this stage in my career.
“There were a few other teams interested but the Rothes offer was the better one. After talking to the manager, it’s the best option for me.
“There are also new ideas off the field, there is a different setup at Mackessack Park now.
“They want to move the club forward, it will take time but we will all work hard to get there.
“I noticed when I came in before the Vale game there is only really Nathan Sharp, Craig MacMillan and myself as experienced players, so it will take time for the younger players to get up to the level required in the Highland League.
“We have to be street-wise, perhaps have that little bit of nastiness about us.
“There are a lot of good players in the league but we will guide the youngsters along and, hopefully, our results will improve. I’m not used to losing like we did on Saturday.
“I need to get up to speed myself as I haven’t had a lot of games this season, but over the next four or five matches I will try to pass on the experience I have gained over the years.”