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Cove Rangers have secured the signing of defender Josh Kerr, subject to international clearance.

The twenty five year old, who can play in a number of positions, has agreed a two-year full-time contract with the club.

Josh spent the majority of his youth playing in the Celtic Academy. Having impressed playing for both the Celtic youth team and during a loan period with East Kilbride, the defender was rewarded with a move to Brighton and Hove Albion in 2017.

After a period with the Seagulls, and a loan spell at Derry City, the centre-back returned to Scotland in 2019, joining Airdrieonians, where he faced Cove on several occasions over two campaigns. Kerr then made the switch to Ireland last summer, signing for Bohemians in the Premier Division.

Manager Paul Hartley is delighted to have signed a versatile player with great experience in the game:

“Josh is a player I have kept an eye on the last few seasons. We first seen him at Airdrie when we were playing in League One a few seasons ago. He was a key player for them during them seasons.

“We took him in on trial last week, and he was impressive in the friendly against Dundee. We are delighted to get him signed up.

“He’s very versatile in defence, we can play him in a number of different positions, which is a huge benefit. He also has a number of important traits – he’s a good organiser, he’s a leader, and he’s a good presence. I’m confident he’ll come in and do really well for us.

“He’s only 25 but he has bags of experience in the game already. He has played at a good level, so he knows the importance of working hard, both in training and in matches. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Josh said joining was a “no-brainer” after finding out the club were interested in signing him:

“I’m absolutely delighted to have signed for the club. I obviously played last Saturday against Dundee in the pre-season friendly as a trialist, and I got a feel for a place and the team. After that, I was set on joining – it was a no-brainer to me. It took a couple of days to get things over the line but I’m glad to get it done and to be here.

“I spoke to the manager before coming in, and he told me of his vision and outlined the clubs ambitions, both short-term and longer term as well. With the club moving full-time as well, there is a lot to be excited about, and I can’t wait to get going.

“Its a good club, one which is well run. I remember when I was playing for Airdrie a few years back, the club was on the up, and went on to get promoted that season. Every game we faced Cove it was tough and we knew we were in a game. There’s still a few boys here from that campaign, and I’m looking forward to joining up with them, and the new boys. There’s a lot of quality in the squad now.

“I’ve got experience of League One as well. I experienced it whilst at Airdrie, and I’m hoping to pass on what I have learnt to the other boys at the club.

“I want to play as many games as I can throughout the season, and help the team to get back into the Championship. I’ve signed a two-year deal, so I’m looking to set a marker and ensure the standards are kept high throughout my time here.

With three new players joining the club today, the manager is pleased with the quality of the squad so far:

“The squad is shaping up nicely. We will probably still be short at the weekend due to clearance taking a while to come through. We have still a few positions we need to fill, but on the whole, I’m happy with the individuals we have got, and I’m looking forward to working with them throughout the course of the season.”

The deal is subject to international clearance.

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