Deal sees Rose rise up the ranks
Stanley Athletic’s prolific goalscorer Curtis Rose has switched the amateurs for a crack at the Lowland League.
The 25- year- old has been snapped up by Hawick Royal Albert, having played a starring role in the Paisley amateur side’s rise through the leagues in recent seasons.
A tally of 24 goals and 28 assists in just 62 appearances caught the eye of new Royal Albert boss Kenny Aitchison.
A Stanley spokesman said: “Everyone at the club would like to wish Curtis all the best for the season ahead and hope it turns out to be a great move for him.”
The Lowland League is a recent addition to the Scottish football pyramid, with the winners of the division facing the winners of the Highland League in a play-off to decide who faces the side who finished bottom of the senior setup’s League Two.
East Kilbride came close to following in the footsteps of Edinburgh City by achieving promotion into the set-up, but fell short against Cowdenbeath in the final.
Royal Albert struggled for form last season as they finished 14th in the table, but Rose insists he can’t wait to get going, having penned a one-year deal.
He said: “I am very excited about the new challenge ahead for myself and the team at Hawick.
“I’m pleased that Kenny and his coaching staff have given me this platform to get my career back on track after a couple of tough years on and off the pitch.
“I’m here to make a name for myself, but, most importantly, do well for the boys in the team and club. I’m buzzing for the season ahead.”
And with Rose arriving following spells at Rangers, Ayr United, Dumbarton and Annan, as well as a stint playing, while enrolled in a scholarship to study in the United States, for Des Moines Menace and Grand View University, boss Aitchison admits he is delighted to have landed his man.
He added: “I am very happy to have Curtis on board.
“I brought him to the club on the back of various recommendations and he certainly didn’t disappoint.
“He has been unfortunate with injuries over the past year, however, we believe he can put that all behind him and go on to prove an invaluable asset to the club this season.”