Full-time lure takes Cove’s Milne to Jags

COVE Rangers boss Paul Hartley insists the League 1 champions could not compete against the lure of full-time football after Harry Milne signed a precontract agreement with Partick Thistle.

The 25 year-old left-back has agreed a two-year deal with the Maryhill Jags – who are primed to secure a place in the Premiership play-offs this weekend.

Hartley said: “Everyone at Cove Rangers wishes Harry well. Partick have offered him what we can’t at this stage, which is the opportunity to play fulltime football.

“He leaves with our best wishes and a hope that he does well in the next exciting chapter of his career.”

Milne, who has been voted players’ player of the year by his team-mates, is one of the four nominees for the PFA Scotland League 1 player of the year award, with the winner due to be announced in Glasgow on Sunday.

Hartley is sad to lose the services of the defender, who has scored six goals and provided seven assists this season.

The Cove boss said: “There is no better way for Harry to sign off than as a league champion.”