Roddy Kennedy has bought into Strathspey Thistle’s plans for the future after signing for the Highland League outfit.
The ex-Caley Thistle youngster, who was let go by Inverness during the summer, has become the latest young recruit to sign on at Seafield Park.
His former team-mate Kieran Chalmers joined earlier in the year, while Elgin City youth graduates Liam McDaid and Ashley Ballam have also inked deals. Craig Mackenzie has also signed from Ross County last week.
The Strathy Jags had thought a move to bring in Kennedy had been scuppered due to him enrolling on an accounting course at Glasgow University.
However, with the course switched to online learning, Kennedy has opted to remain in Inverness, thus freeing him up to join Gordon Nicolson’s side.
He said: “When I was released in June, Gordy was phoning me and asking what my situation was. I had an offer from Glasgow to go down but since it changed to go online, I decided to stay in Inverness.
“Gordy was disappointed when he found out I was going down but I’m quite happy how it’s all worked out.
“Gordy wants to play 3-5-2 and to keep the ball on the ground – that will suit me. I’m more technical than physical.
“He’s signed Kieran, Liam McDaid and Ashley Ballam from Elgin, who are all talented young players, so he’s obviously trying to build something.”
The 19-year-old turned professional with the Caley Jags in 2018 and was one of the cluster of 11 players who were sent out on loan to Fort William last season.
While he was disappointed to see his time with Inverness come to an end, he believes he has benefitted from his experiences in professional football.
Kennedy added: “It was a great experience, especially the first year under Ryan Esson and Barry Wilson took us as under-18s.
“There were 11 of us that turned professional and all the training was geared towards a game. It was brilliant. Fort William was a good experience too.
“So many of us playing together – we had never played against proper men’s teams. We won most games (at under-18s) but it was good to play competitive football
and I’m glad I had that before joining Strathspey.”