Montrose swoop in to snap up Gardyne

CAPTURE: Michael Gardyne signs up beside Stewart Petrie, CEO Peter Stuart, back left, and chairman John Crawford.

Montrose have swooped in to sign Michael Gardyne, at the second time of asking, after the midfielder’s exit from Inverness.

The 35-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-anda-half-year deal, until the summer of 2024.

The Gable Endies wasted no time in landing their man when a brief statement announced that Gardyne had left the Highland side, with Links Park manager Stewart Petrie revealing he had made inquiries about signing Gardyne in the summer.

“I have known Michael since we were at Ross County together, and knew he would be a perfect fit for the side we are building here,” he said.

“We initially spoke at length in the summer, but things didn’t work out then, so I am delighted to have finally got him to put pen to paper on what is a fantastic deal for the club.

“His ability has been proven over many years and he will bring great quality and experience to our dressing room.”

Experienced Gardyne will go into the Gable Endies’ squad for today’s match against Alloa at Links Park.

As well as his recent spell at Caley, the Dundonian has played for Dundee United and made nearly 350 appearances for Ross County, where he remains the Staggies’ record goalscorer.

Petrie praised his board for helping make his “marquee signing” possible.

“I have often stated how grateful Ross (Campbell, assistant boss) and I are for the support of the chairman, the CEO and the board, who continue to back our vision and plans,” he said.

“Securing such a lucrative, marquee signing as this is testament to that commitment and belief and I would once again like to put on record our sincere thanks to John Crawford and all the directors.”

Gardyne is the club’s second signing of the January window after the announcement of Elijah Simpson last week.

The Gable Endies will be minus two players for the game against Alloa due to illness, though Petrie did not reveal their identities.

However, three others are back from a bout of illness – Craig Johnston, Chris Antoniazzi and Aidan Quinn.

The game will mark the home debut of striker Simpson, who has been brought in from Farnborough. Petrie said: “Elijah played well in our win over East Fife at New Bayview and, as he is a big, strong No 9, he brings something different to the team. He has been signed till the end of the season.”

The Montrose team boss added that he is delighted to have Cammy Ballantyne until the season’s end.

“I thank St Johnstone for agreeing to loan us Cammy till the end of the season,” he said. “They think highly of him and have given Cammy a fresh deal.”

The Alloa match will be the last of James Keatings’ present loan from Raith.