Rothes yesterday signed Nairn County captain Gregg Main on a two-year deal.
The 32-year-old midfielder goes straight into the Speysiders’ squad for this afternoon’s home Moray derby against Forres Mechanics.
Main said: “After 14 seasons at Nairn I think I was in need of a fresh challenge.
“I’m from Nairn and I used to climb over the wall at Station Park to see County play when I was a boy.
“But my best friend Paul MacLeod is at Rothes, along with two other former County team-mates, Alan Pollock and Gary Kerr, so that will make it easier to settle in.”
Rothes manager Steven Macdonald said: “Gregg is very versatile and I’ve been a long-time admirer of his.”
Forres manager Charlie Rowley, who will be without Ross MacPherson, Ryan Farquhar and Owen Paterson, said: “We lost down there last season so we know it will be tough.”
Wick Academy are without the injured Michael Steven, Jack Halliday, Jack Henry and Marc Macgregor for the home game against Deveronvale who travel without defender Kevin Adams (hamstring) but midfielder Matthew Wallace returns from holiday.
Nairn County are at full strength for the trip to Huntly while Buckie Thistle have Joe McCabe suspended for their meeting with Strathspey Thistle who welcome back goalkeeper Michael MacCallum.
Clach midfielder Michael Finnis is suspended for Keith’s visit to Grant Street while Brora Rangers look to build on an excellent start against Turriff United at Dudgeon Park.