Hartley tried to lure striker McAllister to Dundee

FORMER Dundee manager Paul Hartley has revealed he tried to take Rory McAllister to Dens during his time in charge of the Dark Blues.

Hartley has hailed the signing of McAllister as a statement of intent by Cove Rangers.

The former Peterhead striker has penned a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Granite City outfit.

McAllister racked up 198 goals in eight-and-a-half years with the Blue Toon having bagged 58 in two seasons with Brechin City prior to his arrival at Balmoor.

Balmoral Stadium gaffer Hartley is thrilled to have signed someone with such a pedigree in the lower leagues of Scottish football.

The former Alloa, Dundee and Falkirk boss hopes McAllister can deliver more goals for Cove.

He said: “It’s a brilliant signing for us, a real statement of intent from our club. I would like thank the Cove directors for allowing me to get this deal done.

“I’d also say thanks to Peterhead for the professional way they have dealt with things since we made it known we wanted to take Rory to Balmoral Stadium.

“It’s a signing we had been looking for, a proven goalscorer who will strengthen the competition for places up front.

“Rory’s record over the last 10 years has been second to none.

“I actually tried to take him to Dundee a few times when I was the manager there.

“Like a lot of people, I was certain Rory was capable of scoring goals regularly at the very highest level.

“I’m excited by the prospect of finally getting to work with Rory and confident he will do very well for us.”

incredible,

Dundee boss James McPake.