Brechin striker Rory McAllister has told his manager Jim Weir he is “unlikely” to be playing his football at Glebe Park next season.
The highly-rated hitman, who scored 25 goals this season, has been on the radar of several clubs for some time but Weir had hoped he could persuade McAllister to stay at City for at least one more year.
That now seems certain not to happen and Weir has moved swiftly to fill the looming gap in his front line by snapping up former Raith Rovers striker Graham Weir and Derek Carcary from Dumbarton.
The Brechin boss, who also signed full-backs David McClune and Mick Dunlop on Monday, said, “Graham Weir will work his socks off and is certain to be a favourite with the supporters.
“He probably did not get many chances with Raith last season and he is looking forward to a new challenge. Derek learned a lot when he was a youngster with Rangers and he will bring loads of pace and ability to the side.
“We had an excellent campaign but I was keen to freshen up the team and there will be further signings to follow as we attempt to win promotion to the first division next season.
“Unfortunately, it looks like we will be trying to go up without Rory. I spoke to him and his agent on Monday and Rory said it is unlikely he will be playing for us next season.
“I have been trying to persuade him to stay since the end of last year. But it now looks like he has made his mind up to leave under freedom of contract.
“However, if a move to a bigger club does not materialise, you never know, he could be back here again.”
Loan signings Ewan Moyes, Mitch Megginson, Jordan Kirkpatrick, Daniel McKay and Roy McBain, have left the club along with City players David White, Kevin Byers and Mark Archdeacon, and Weir hinted there could be further departures.
He said, “They have decided to move on as I could not guarantee them a starting place in the side. I was also looking to make space for fresh faces and there may be more to exit.
“I am still negotiating with Craig Nelson and Neil Janczyk but we will have to see what they decide.”
Definitely staying though are centre-half Gerry McLaughlin, midfielder Craig Molloy and goalkeeper David Scott who have signed new deals.