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Central defender Finlay Murray has become our fourth signing of the summer transfer window.

The nineteen-year old joins the club at the expiry of his contract with Aberdeen and follows Declan Glass, Ryan Harrington and Cole Donaldson to Balmoral Stadium as Paul Hartley reshapes his squad for the 2024/25 campaign.

Finlay caught the eye last season when he was out on loan with Highland League side Turriff United and impressed on trial during our pre-season build-up.

Paul Hartley says he is looking forward to working with the youngster:

“We’ve had him in since the end of last season, he needed a wee opportunity after the disappointment of being released by Aberdeen, but that happens with young players, and we’ve given him a chance.

“He’s hopefully someone we can improve, to help get better. We watched Finlay last season when he was on loan at Turriff, and he did really well. He’s a very strong centre-half, wins his challenges, and he’s young and willing to work hard. I’m happy we’ve got him.

“Like all the rest of the guys, it’s up to him now. If he does well in training and the games, he will be given the opportunity in the team.”

The teenager, who has earned five Scotland under-17 caps, is excited by the move to Cove and says he is eager to get going with his new team-mates:

“I’m really looking forward to it. I got the call to come in on trial over the summer, that went well and I enjoyed it, and now I’ve got the chance to push on.

“I was with Aberdeen from about ten or eleven, came through the different age groups, and last season I got the opportunity to play in the Highland League. I was grateful for that, the chance to experience real men’s football, and it was tough physically, but I got used to it, and it was a really good challenge.

“This will be another step-up, but the boys have been really good, I knew a few of them from before, and they’ve all helped me settle in.”

While he does like to get his foot on the ball, Finlay says what he really enjoys as a centre-back is the art of defending:

“I do like making passes, but first and foremost it’s about keeping the ball out of the net, making tackles and blocks, headers, doing what is expected of any central defender. I’ve already spoken with the other defenders, the goalies Nick and Bal, and it’s important to get to know them all and to build relationships.

“This is a big step for me, a real chance, but I know I’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of me and it’s all about trying to get into the team and play as many minutes as I can. It will be hard, but it’s what I want, and I’ve got to back myself. I’ll be giving it everything I have.”

Finlay has signed a one-year deal and will wear the number two shirt.

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