Jags beat off strong competition to land veteran forward from Maud.

Buckie Thistle Manager Gregg Carrol has beaten off competition from Deveronvale, Cove Rangers and Turriff United to persuade forward Ian Murray to join him at Victoria Park on a two-year contract.

Murray, who comes in from junior club Maud, won two Highland League titles under Carrol's leadership when the latter was manager at Deveronvale.

The 33 year old attacker said: "I have spoken to Scott Anderson at Vale and Kris Hunter at Turriff United to tell them I have decided to join Buckie Thistle.

"I know what Gregg Carrol can do as a manager as I have already won two titles under him and I expect Buckie to be challenging for every trophy.

"The Jags are a very ambitious club with an equally ambitious chairman in Mark Duncan.

"They have a lot of good players in the squad and I can't wait to be part of it, especially as our opening game of the season is at home to Deveronvale."

Carrol said: "This is the third time I have signed Ian. I know what he is about, he scores goals, is a livewire, is very good in the dressingroom and he is someone we need.

"Although he works off-shore, when he is fit to play he will play.

"The Buckie Thistle supporters loved to hate him but it won't be long before they come to love him."

Ian Murray pictured centre with Garry Farquhar (left) of Buckie Thistle and manager Gregg Carrol (right).

Story by Dave Edwards of Aberdeen Press & Journal