Brechin City boss Jim Weir has wished departing star striker Rory McAllister all the best after he completed his transfer to Peterhead at the weekend but claimed his London-based agent “did nothing for him.”
Courier Sport was first to reveal the Highlanders had put a lucrative deal on the table to the 24-year-old a few weeks ago.
Until that point there had been interest expressed from a host of SPL clubs, as well as from down south.
The only confirmed offer though came from St Mirren and the second division player, who last week stated he wanted to find a full-time club, has decided to drop down a league, stay part-time and complete the third year of his plumbing apprenticeship.
Weir, who saw Brechin’s own offer to McAllister rejected at the start of the close season, said, “I wish Rory all the best.
“I’m happy that he’s finishing his plumbing certificates because a business in Brechin looked after him well, and he owed it to them to do that.
“In the early part of an apprenticeship it costs the business and it’s only in the last year an apprentice can start to make money.”
He added, “Even though he’s staying part-time we could never have got near to what Peterhead have offered.
“That’s not a lack of ambition it’s just being realistic.”
Weir said, “I didn’t think he needed an agent, and I told Rory that. His agent (Ken Anderson) did nothing for him, as far as I’m concerned.”Fall-back careerMcAllister said, “I had other offers but I decided football wasn’t everything and I would complete my plumbing apprenticeship.
“I only have a year to go before I’m fully qualified and it made sense to give myself a career to fall back on once my football was finished.”
He added, “Full-time football may come in the future, but once I decided to stay part-time I wanted to join Peterhead.
“They want to get back to the second division as soon as possible and then push for the first division.”
Peterhead manager John Sheran is delighted to have secured the services of a forward who scored 29 goals last campaign.
He said, “For Peterhead to secure Rory’s signature is a major coup and without the assistance of several members of the board this deal would not have happened.
“It is a wise choice for Rory McAllister the player and Rory McAllister the person to develop his game while at the same time continue to earn his trade qualifications as a plumber to fall back on when he stops playing football.
“Rory lives and works in Aberdeen so Peterhead are the right club to support Rory as he can achieve both career goals with us.”
McAllister is the 10th new signing at the Balmoor club following relegation last season.