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Our latest new arrival is twenty-one year old defender Layton Bisland.

The Dundee-born full-back came through the youth ranks at Tannadice, enjoying loan spells with Peterhead and at Falkirk, where he was part of the squad that went unbeaten throughout the 2023-24 season.

He moved to Arbroath last summer, then spent the second half of the campaign with Annan Athletic.

When Layton’s contract ended, Paul Hartley was quick to move:

“We looked at him last season when he left Dundee United, but he decided to go to Arbroath then. When he became available, the lad actually got in contact with me, and I like that, it shows a real desire.

“From his first couple of days in training pre-season, I knew I wanted to sign him. He’s a good athlete, can play a few positions, gets up and down the pitch and is good on the ball. He is at a good age, has come through the system at United, knows the league, and he’s aggressive, which you don’t see in too many young players.

“I think he will be a good addition.”

With more than fifty first team appearances under his belt, and a fair bit of experience now, Layton believes this is the ideal move for him at this stage of his career:

“I came close to joining last year, so when the chance came around again, I was happy to take it; it was obviously meant to be! I know a few of the boys, Declan Glass and Grady McGrath, and what a good set-up it is, and the gaffer has shown faith in me. I can’t wait to get started.

“Last year was quite a hard one for me, but you have to back yourself, and after just a few days here, my confidence was back, and the training has been good.”

Layton believes his early years at Tannadice, and getting out on loan, has been important for his development:

“When I was seventeen, I wanted men’s football, I felt I was just getting bad habits in the under-18s, so the pathway I went on made a big difference, playing regularly at Falkirk, that was huge for me.”

“I now know the league, I’ve played in it with Peterhead, Arbroath and Annan too, so I understand what you have to do consistently to win. It’s going to be tough again, definitely tight, but even with the group we have right now, it looks very strong, and hopefully we can add to that.

“They did so well last year, getting to the playoffs and nearly promoted, so we have to aim for that again. We just need to believe in ourselves and there’s no reason why we can’t do it.”

Layton has agreed a two-year deal and will wear the number two shirt for Cove Rangers.

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