Cameron secures McNeil’s signature

McNeil

McNeil (pictured skipping past Peterhead’s Jamie Stevenson) was a regular for Brechin City last season

The club are delighted to confirm their second signing in as many days after former Brechin City right back Ewan McNeil put pen to paper on a one year deal prior to last night’s 2-2 draw with League One side Dunfermline Athletic.

The full back had made a total of 22 appearances for Brechin after signing in late October 2014, quickly establishing himself as a regular within the Angus side following a five-year spell with Rangers and a loan at Airdrie United and a two year spell with Norwich City.

With City in a period of transition following Ray McKinnon’s departure to Raith Rovers and Darren Dods’ subsequent arrival at Glebe Park, McNeil was still on trial with Brechin until signing – and also had plenty of other offers on the table.

McNeil explained: “When I first spoke to the manager (Colin Cameron) on the phone, he sounded very keen to get me signed up. He said he’d heard a lot of good things about me.

“There is nothing better than being feeling wanted by a manager. I may have been a regular in League One last season but after weighing up the options with other clubs, I’m convinced this is the best move for me.”

“I know that I still have to work hard to keep  my standards high and stay in the team. I’m here to play as many games as possible. I’m primarily a right back but during my time with Norwich U21’s I did spend some time at centre half, and I don’t mind pushing up the wing or sitting in midfield.

“But I also know it isn’t all about me. I’m keen to contribute to the team as much as I possibly can. Whether it’s working to keep clean sheets or contributing going forwards and getting decent deliveries in the box for the strikers, I want to be a part of a successful Berwick side.”

On his new teammates, Ewan confirmed: “It’s a complete change for me. I only really know one of the boys and even then it’s vaguely – I trained for a few weeks with Bob (Robert Wilson) at Airdrie United last season. Apart from that, it’s a completely new set of boys to get to know.

“But I am looking forward to getting to know them. I can see the squad is quite thin in numbers at the moment, but I’m sure the manager and his staff will be working hard to build a competitive squad. If they do as good a job of convinving others to join as they did me, there’ll be no issues.

“The guys who are around the club at the minute seem like good lads – all the boys have been great so far. Everyone is pulling in the same direction and we’re all keen to get results playing football the right way. I think I’ll fit in really well.”

Ewan finishes: “I’m really looking forward to the start of the season now I’ve made my decision and signed up. I’m sure it will be a positive season for everyone involved at the club.”

The club would like to extend a warm welcome to Ewan and thank him for sharing his thoughts on joining the ‘Gers.