Nairn County come calling for ex-Ross County player Steven Mackay
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STEVEN Mackay, the former Ross County midfielder, was concerned the opportunity to manage Nairn County might never come again if he passed up the chance to succeed Ronnie Sharp.
The ex-Brora Rangers quadruple title winner as player and manager agreed this week to take the Station Park reins through to summer 2025.
Employment as facilities director with the Salford-based firm Langfields has presented challenges for Mackay’s football career in recent years, given travel commitments.
But while the 41-year-old from Invergordon could have bided his time until those difficulties eased, there was a strong emotional pull to Nairn, where he netted 84 goals in 116 appearances and lifted the Highland League Cup in 2011.
“In football, you can never really plan outcomes,” Mackay said. “I was happy to get back playing with Rothes and not think about management in the short-term, but I always wanted to return when the right opportunity presented itself.
“Nairn was too good an opportunity to let pass. History will tell you that the last two managers at Nairn (Ronnie Sharp and Les Fridge) span over a period of 15 or 16 years.
“If I’d left it until further down the line, this opportunity might never have presented itself again.
“I put my CV in and did the interview, making them aware of my work situation, but they are supportive of that. I’ve missed management. I really enjoyed learning from Gavin Price as assistant at Elgin, but there was always a desire to get back.”
Mackay holds Nairn in high regard, adding: “It has always been a really well-run club. The board spoke about their ambitions and I’m ambitious to take them to the next level, the top end of the Highland League.
“There are a lot of good players and they shouldn’t be where they are. There’s a lot of work ahead and it will be a great challenge. It’s one I’m looking forward to.”
