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The club is delighted to announce the signing of twenty-two year old midfielder Mark Gallagher, subject to SFA clearance.

Mark impressed during a recent trial period and has agreed a two-year full-time contract with Cove Rangers.

He came through the youth ranks at Ross County, making his debut in a Challenge Cup tie against Hearts U20 in August 2018, and caught the eye of Aberdeen who bought him from the Dingwall club in January 2020.

Mark had a productive loan spell with Forfar Athletic in the 2021-22 campaign, and also spent time with Cliftonville in the second half of that season.

Having left the Dons, the midfielder joined Formartine United last summer, and played an important part in helping the side finish 4th in the Highland League.

Mark is delighted to join Cove and says this will be a great move for him to kick-on:

“I’m very happy to be here. As soon as I heard there was interest I was keen to get it done. Playing full-time football again was my ambition, and I feel like this is the perfect place to continue my development in the game.

“I have had good experiences in my career so far. I started out at Ross County, and after three years playing in their youth team, I got a move to Aberdeen. Although I didn’t break through there, I learnt so much about both myself and ways of playing, and I’m definitely a better player for it now.

“Last season was definitely the best of my career so far. I played every game for Formartine, and I learnt a completely different side to the game. The Highland League has some very talented players, and every week we faced tough opposition, so it was a real test, but one I loved, and it definitely helped me to improve.

“Now that I’m here I can’t wait to get started. I know a few of the boys such as Vigurs and Naismith from my time at Ross County, and Luke Strachan who I played alongside whilst on loan at Forfar, so I’m looking forward to joining up with them and getting to know the rest of the boys.”

The manager is delighted to get Mark signed, and believes he is a player who can really develop here at Cove Rangers:

“He’s a young lad, but he has a lot of experience already. I watched him a few years ago when he was playing for Aberdeen, and you could see his talent. He’s at a good age now, and he’s hungry to do well. He’s one we believe we can develop throughout the course of his time at the club.

“His career stalled a little in recent years, but he made the move to Formartine and began enjoying his football again. He also learnt a different side to the game, which will be of real benefit to him.

“We’re really strong in the middle of the park now. He adds quality to the central midfield area, and he’ll learn a lot by playing alongside the other boys who can play there. We still need to get cover in other areas, particularly in the wide positions, but I’m pleased with the squad we are building.”

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