Michael Fraser



Michael FraserMichael Fraser joined his hometown team Inverness Caledonian Thistle and progressed through the youth system and then broke into the first team scene but his route to the number one jersey was barred by former ‘Well keeper Mark Brown. When Brown left the club to join Celtic in January 2007, Michael would eventually enjoy some extended runs in the Caley Jags first team.

As his contract was expiring in the Summer of 2009, Motherwell manager Mark McGhee moved quick to secure his signature and managed to sign Fraser on a pre-contract agreement in January, Michael would join the squad for pre-season on the 22nd June. By the time Fraser had joined the club, McGhee had decided to move onto pastures new as did first choice keeper Graeme Smith.

Michael made his competitive debut against Llanelli in a Europa League tie in which the Steelmen to an embarrassing 1-0 defeat. He played in most of the early European ties, but as new manager Jim Gannon looked to put his own stamp on the squad he managed to pull off a real coup in securing the signature of John Ruddy who arrived on loan from Everton, much to the dismay of Fraser who had’t really put a foot wrong in his four early season appearances.

Ruddy proved to be an astute signing for the club and it was clear the task at hand for Michael would be quite difficult, essentially he would only make a further 5 appearances during the 2009/10 season as he would cover for any injuries. Michael did prove to be an able deputy when called upon but he did perhaps have a match to forget in a fixture against Dundee United in April 2010 as the side fell to a 3-2 defeat, he slipped he slipped early in the match with the ball at his feet under no real pressure further compounded when he was beaten rather easily later in the game. His highlight would have no doubt playing in the 8-1 thrashing of Albanian side Flamurtari.

The following season, the club was under the guidance of another manager in the shape of Craig Brown, he acquired the services of both Darren Randolph and Lee Hollis, it was clear Fraser wasn’t in the first team plans and he would soon leave the club.

Michael did briefly appear at Montrose, he played one game for the Links Park club but as he was keen to secure a return to full time football he decided to depart the club before briefly plying his trade for Maltese Premier League Champions, Birkirkara. Fraser would make a return to the Highlands playing for First Division side Ross County, who were managed by former ‘Well midfielder Derek Adams. He did enjoy some success there as the side would win promotion to the SPL for the first time.

Michael retired from the game aged only 31 as he wanted to turn his attentions to playing Shinty.

Name:
Michael Fraser
Height:
6′ 2″
Weight:
12st 7lbs
Date of Birth:
8th October 1983
Place of Birth:
Inverness
Position:
 Goalkeeper
Nationality:
Scottish

Football Career:

Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2002 2009
Motherwell  2009  2010 
Montrose 2010
Birkirkara 2010 2011
Ross County 2011 2014
Elgin City 2014 2015

Well Career:

Apps Goals
League:
4 (1) 0
Scottish Cup:
0 0
League Cup:
0 0
Other:
4 0
Total:
8 (1) 0