Hartley reveals aims after new deal

Paul Hartley has revealed that Cove Rangers have a five-year plan to establish themselves in the Championship and become a full-time club.

The 43-year-old has penned an extended contract which ties him to the ambitious Highlanders until the summer of 2025, along with assistant manager Gordon Young and head of sports science Tam Ritchie.

The Balmoral Stadium outfit, who claimed the League Two title when the lower divisions were called on April 15, have made no secret of their desire to swiftly climb the SPFL ladder.

With chairman Keith Moorhouse at the helm, they have spent liberally on the construction of a new stadium and an impressive playing squad, including the likes of Mitch Megginson, Fraser Fyvie and Rory McAllister.

And Hartley firmly believes the club will continue to progress over the duration of his new deal.

He said: “Our plan is to establish ourselves in the Championship.

“The chairman hasn’t put any pressure on us in terms of next season or the season after that – he hasn’t mentioned a timeframe – but we want to be a Championship club and comfortable at that level.

“We have more plans for the stadium and we want to make the step up to full-time status.

“That was never going to be this year and, given the current financial climate due to the coronavirus outbreak, it might not be next year.

“However, we still have that ambition.”

On his decision to commit to such a long-term contract, the ex-Falkirk and Dundee boss said: “I have a really good relationship with the chairman.

“I’m just enjoying it – that’s the key factor.”