Ross Meechan departs the ‘Loons’

Forfar Athletic with more than a tinge of disappointment have to announce tonight that club captain Ross Meechan is leaving the club despite still having twelve months left on his current contract and will be plying his trade, football wise next season with Darvel FC in the West of Scotland League Premier Division.

Ross who moved to Station Park from Stenhousemuir in the summer of 2018 and has been a consummate professional both on and off the park since then, advised the management team in the closing weeks of the 2021/2 campaign that due to new work commitments he was finding it difficult to commit to the travelling time required from his Glasgow home for specifically training sessions with the Athies but also at times on a match day.

By the conclusion of the season he advised Gary that he felt a move to a West of Scotland club and perhaps a club out with the SPFL structure would be the only option for him and the ‘Loons’ Directors while understanding Ross’s position still reluctantly agreed to listen to offers for his transfer.

Darvel who have not hidden their ambitions to climb quickly through the pyramid system with substantial financial backing, but who lost out to Tranent two weeks back at the final hurdle in their attempt to attain Lowland League status made an initial offer for Ross which was deemed unacceptable by the Forfar board.

However and it has to be said the Ayrshire club have been very professional in their dealings with Forfar in regard to the transfer then made a second five figure offer which was accepted.

During his four season spell at Station Park, two of which have been affected by the pandemic in regard to the number of games played, Ross was almost an ever present making 147 starting appearances for the club on the right side of ‘Loons’ rearguard.

Though again we emphasise that there is general disappointment behind the scenes that he is moving on, Ross leaves with thanks for his service to the club and with the best wishes of all for the future.

Forfar fans can also be assured that every penny of the fee received for Ross will be ploughed back into Gary’s playing budget for the season ahead at a time when many clubs the ‘Loons’ included in the SPFL’s two bottom divisions are finding it hard going on the financial front.