Manager Lewis MacKinnon expresses confidence in Nicolson's potential impact
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Buckie Thistle has made a significant addition to their squad by signing 19-year-old striker Aaron Nicolson on a contract that extends until the summer of 2027. This move comes as the Breedon Highland League champions look to bolster their attacking options and build for the future.
Aaron Nicolson’s journey to Buckie Thistle
Nicolson, who developed his skills at Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s youth academy, has already made a name for himself in Scottish football. He is a former Scotland schoolboy international and has shown his goal-scoring prowess during his time with Nairn County, where he netted eight goals last season, including a standout hat-trick in the North of Scotland Cup final against Ross County.
After a brief stint at Nairn, Nicolson moved to Edinburgh to pursue his university studies, signing with Lowland League club Linlithgow Rose. His time there was marked by a successful loan spell at Strathspey Thistle, where he scored five goals at the start of the current season. His impressive performances caught the attention of Buckie Thistle’s manager, Lewis MacKinnon, who was eager to secure his signature.
Manager’s confidence in Nicolson’s abilities
MacKinnon expressed his enthusiasm for Nicolson’s potential, stating, “When Aaron played against us for Strathspey earlier this season, I liked what I saw. He scored twice, but beyond that, he held the ball up really well and linked the play effectively.” Despite Buckie’s comfortable 8-2 victory that night, MacKinnon noted Nicolson’s crucial role in Strathspey’s performance, highlighting his ability to bring teammates into the game.
MacKinnon believes that Nicolson’s experience in the Lowland League will serve him well at Buckie Thistle, where the team creates numerous scoring opportunities. He stated, “We create a lot of chances, and I think he’ll enjoy playing for us. We’ve got good players who will play the ball into his feet, so I think he can flourish at Buckie and score a lot of goals for us.”
Strengthening the squad for future challenges
The signing of Nicolson comes as part of MacKinnon’s strategy to enhance the team’s attacking depth. He acknowledged the need for additional competition in the striker position, especially after the departure of Kyle MacLeod last season. With young talents like Josh Peters and Liam Harvey already in the squad, MacKinnon emphasized the importance of bringing in a player who could compete for a starting role.
“It’s no secret we’ve been looking to add another striker, and it needed to be someone we felt was good enough to be a starter for us,” MacKinnon explained. After a careful search, he is confident that Nicolson is the right fit for the team, stating, “We’ve got him now in Aaron, and I believe he will do very well for us.”
Upcoming fixtures and challenges
As Buckie Thistle prepares for the remainder of the season, the team is also facing scheduling challenges. The Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Shield quarter-final match between Keith and Fraserburgh was recently postponed due to waterlogged conditions at Kynoch Park. This match is now set to take place in January, adding to the team’s busy schedule as they aim for success in multiple competitions.
With Nicolson’s signing and the team’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their squad, Buckie Thistle is poised for an exciting future as they look to build on their recent successes in the Highland League.
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