Smith certain old club has got what it takes to kick on

Striker reckons Balmoral side will continue to recruit top players

Former Cove Rangers striker Jonny Smith believes the Aberdeen club will strengthen again to challenge in League One.

Cove went up as League Two champions in their first season in the SPFL, and Smith expects them to make similar strides when football resumes.

The addition of Dan Higgins, Fraser Fyvie and Rory McAllister – players with experience at a higher level – as well as loan players like Declan Glass saw Cove emerge early as contenders for the league title.

Although arbitration could say otherwise, Cove are set for straight promotion to League One, where Smith, now at Formartine United, hopes to see them kick on again.

He said: “I don’t think they will do anything differently. They’ve got a good team with an experienced management team who know what they’re doing.

“That will be attractive in itself, and to play for the club at it’s new ground. I don’t think they’ll be short of lads attracted to play there.

“I expect them to do well and bring in some good new players.

“From the outside, there are probably a lot of people who are surprised to see Cove get back-to-back promotions.

“But I think Eric Watson said being in and around Cove, you shouldn’t be surprised. They have been a league club in the Highland League for a number of years.

“I don’t think it’ll be long before they look to go further. Going full-time won’t be too far off, either.”

Manager Paul Hartley has stated they will not be going full-time this season, and the current lockdown may push that back further.

Smith, who played for Cove between December 2013 and May 2018, hopes some of his old team-mates continue to get a chance as Cove step up a level again.

He added: “The likes of Connor Scully, Blair Yule, Jamie Masson and Stuart McKenzie have all been so good for a number of years, not just the last year.

“Harry Milne is a great young lad and has progressed in the last few years. I don’t think anyone is surprised he’s doing so well.

“Following them through the season, they have been the most consistent performers and it’s really good to see them getting a chance at a higher level. I hope they’ll still get a chance in League One.

“John Sheran deserves some of the credit. He’s so passionate about it and to see him still involved is great. I’m happy for him to be part of it, and he was ambitious enough to see this coming.”

Jonny Smith