COMINGS & GOINGS IN THE CLOSE SEASON

By Graham
June 10 2006

After a very disappointing season had drawn to a close. The club was a hive of activity with comings and goings. No longer being confined to a 'locals only' policy. The club has made some clear intentions on how it sees itself moving forward.

The first three arrivals of the close season were Chris McLeod (22) signed from Raith Rovers. Chris started his career at Rangers before going out on loan to Arbroath & Morton. Stuart Cumming (21) from Elgin. Stuart joined Elgin after a 2 year spell at Blackburn Rovers, he is highly thought of by many. Graeme Stewart (24) signed from Peterhead. Stewart's previous club is Inverness Caley Thistle.

The next arrival was a real coup for Montrose. Craig Higgins (21) one of last season's top players in divison one was signed from Stranraer. Craig had offers of going full time but was impressed with the set up at Montrose. Craig's former clubs include Aberdeen & Elgin.

Another 2 players arrived last week in the form of John Adam (21) & Paul Napier (18). John was signed under freedom of contract after he left Morton following three seasons with the men from Cappielow. He is also a former Rangers youth pkayer. Paul was signed from Elgin and is a direct replacement for Webster. Paul was a former Aberdeen youth player. He scored once last season and didn't feature in the first team after November.

Like all clubs in the close season players are also departing from Montrose.

Firstly Stuart Ferguson who has moved just down the road to Brechin. Stewart was out longest serving player. Following Stuart out the door was Kevin Webster. After all the talk of will he won't he, he has finally put pen to paper with his hometown club of Forfar. Martin Fotheringham was next to go. Foxy, like the others, will be plying his trade in the 2nd divison next season with Cowdenbeath.

Michael Hankinson, Euan Hall & Gael Corre have all been released by the club after not winning new contracts.

The club are still looking for another keeper as back up to Andy Reid, Another defender & a potent goalscorer with persistant rumours that Martin Johnston, last season top goalscorer, is a target.