Harty Signs New Contract


Ian Harty
By S. Archibald
May 20 2002

Ian Harty, Stranraer's top scorer for the last two seasons, has signed a new one year deal for the club. The current uncertainty in Scottish football means the new contract is a wise move for the player and the club.

Ian Harty today signed a one year contract with Stranraer. Much speculation surrounded the future of the Blues' top scorer for the last two season, but with the uncertainty of several teams in Scotland the 24 year old forward thought it would be prudent to remain at Stranraer.

Since joining the Blues in July 1998 from Albion Rovers, Harty has made 135 appearances in all competitions and scored a total of 49 goals. Perhaps his most memorable goal while playing for the Blues was against Celtic at Stair Park two season when he scored a late consolation goal against the eventual league and Scottish cup winners.

Harty's Celtic goal
Ian Harty blast the ball past Celtic and Scotland 'keeper Rab Douglas on a cold January night in 2000.

Ian started is senior career off at Hearts as a trainee before moving to Albion Rovers for two seasons in 1996. At Rovers he made 43 appearances and scored only two goals. Prior to signing his new one year contract the 5'8" forward was linked with moves to newly relegated Raith Rovers, and newly promoted Alloa Athletic. This would have been a real blow to Stranraer as the player would have been eligible to leave the club under the Bosman ruling for with no compensation for the Blues.