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Experienced defender Jason Naismith has become our sixth signing of the January transfer window.

Jason joins us on an eighteen-month deal having mutually agreed his release from Queen’s Park.

He moved to the Glasgow side from Kilmarnock last summer having previously played most notably for St Mirren and Ross County. Jason also had spells with Hibernian and Peterborough United.

With more than three hundred first team outings to his name throughout his career, the twenty-eight-year-old, who can operate at right back or in central defence, will be a valuable addition to Paul Hartley’s defensive options.

Jason says he is looking forward to this next chapter, and to get playing for Cove Rangers:

“I’m full of excitement for what lies ahead. It has been a bit frustrating this season, I had a few niggly injuries at the start, and of course, with Queen’s Park flying, it was difficult to get back into the team.

“I see this as a big opportunity, a fresh start, and I’m just keen to get back playing games again.

“When I was up here earlier in the season, I was so impressed by the set-up. It looks great, there seems to be a really good atmosphere around the place, and that made the decision easy.”

It will be the first time Jason has played part-time football since turning professional, but he does not see that as an issue:

“To be honest, I don’t think there’s much difference between part-time and full-time football these days, so that really hasn’t entered my thoughts. I know the manager and the players will take a full-time, professional approach, and I will do exactly the same.

“I know how they like to play here, and that style of football suits me perfectly. I had a chat with the manager, and it immediately felt right; at times you go with your gut feeling, and I had no doubts about signing for Cove.

“Now it’s all about getting more games in and getting back to full fitness. A lot of fans will remember me as a right back, but I’ve played plenty games at centre half too, and I’m hoping that versatility means that I’m someone the manager can count on.

“It’s been quite a season in the Championship, really exciting and unpredictable, and you can see that any team that puts together a few results can move up the table. That has to be our aim now, and I hope to be able to do my bit in the next few months.

“I’m looking forward to getting bedded in and to play my part.”

Paul Hartley believes Jason brings plenty to the table:

“He’s defensively solid, he can play as a wing back, a full back or centre half, and he’s aggressive and a good athlete. He’ll definitely help us across the back line.

“When you look at where Jason has played, he’s had a good career. He’s still only twenty-eight, but he’s got a lot of experience at the top level and in the Championship.

“He just wants to play games. When we spoke to him, he was really keen, and that’s a good sign, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do for us.

“We have been making signings with the short term in mind, but also putting in building blocks for the future, so I’m pleased Jason, like Scott Fox, has agreed a deal until summer 2024.”

Jason will wear the number three shirt and goes straight into the squad for tonight’s Championship encounter with Ayr United.

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