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Paul Hartley has bolstered his attacking options with the signing of striker Grady McGrath.

The twenty-two year old, who impressed during the pre-season matches, netting as a trialist against both Inverurie Locos and Formartine United, has agreed a two-year deal and arrives at Balmoral Stadium after a productive spell with Brechin City.

The former Dundee youth player was a regular scorer during his two years at Glebe Park, his overall tally of sixty-nine including one against Cove in last season’s League Cup encounter.

Now he says he cannot wait to get started with his new team:

“As soon as I found out Cove were interested, and with the chance to go full-time, it seemed like a bit of a no-brainer. I enjoyed my two years with Brechin, but at this stage I feel I need to kick-on, to challenge myself, and this is the next step I needed.

“I was full-time with Dundee a few years ago but dropped down to start enjoying football again and work my way back up, and I’m on the right path, I think.

“It was great being here the last few weeks and getting a couple of goals was good for the confidence.”

The manager had spoken previously about strengthening his forward line, and he believes Grady has the natural talent to trouble League One defences in the coming season:

“He’s a penalty box striker, and he’s someone I’ve been monitoring. We actually had him in here about four years ago, but he was just a youngster then, and it would have been hard for him to break into the team ahead of Megginson and McAllister.

“I’ve always kept a close eye on him, and we brought him in during the summer when he really impressed; he certainly has an eye for goal.

“He will miss chances, but he gets into the right positions, and he will score goals for us. He’s clinical with both feet, has a good instinct, and he’s at a good age still. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Grady sees himself as an out and out goalscorer, and he is eager to repay the manager’s faith by delivering for the team:

“I fancy myself in front of goal, and as long as I’m getting the chances, I back myself to put the ball in the net. I’ll have better players around me here, and that should be a big help. When you’re confident, that’s when your finishing is better and sharper. When you’re on a scoring streak, every time you step on to the pitch you feel as if you’re going to hit the net.

“It’s going to be a challenge making the step up to League One level, but I have belief in my ability, and I’m sure I can adapt.

“The manager has said he wants me to stay high, stay in the box, because that’s where I do my best work, so I’ll be staying between the posts and hopefully putting the ball into the net when the chances come.

“I’m really excited about this move and cannot wait to get started.”

Grady will wear shirt number eleven in the 2024/25 campaign and is set to make his competitive debut for the club against The Spartans tomorrow night.

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