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MANAGER Paul Hartley has paid tribute to the group of loan players who helped us make a huge impact in our first season playing at League One level.

Ross Graham (Dundee United), Connor Smith and Cammy Logan (both Hearts) and Kieran Ngwenya and Kevin Hanratty (both Aberdeen) all played their parts to help us finish third and reach the Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals.

Paul said: “I want to thank all of the lads who were with us on loan for the contributions they made in what was a good season for us.

“League One is a very tough league and they made very good use of the opportunity to come and play first team football, with some very impressive performances.

“Everyone appreciated them agreeing to help us out and we wish all five lads the very best now that they have returned to their parent clubs.

“I also want to thank Dundee United, Hearts and Aberdeen for loaning their players to us.

“It has helped forge good relationships between the clubs and I hope there will be other opportunities to take some of their players on loan.”

Paul continued: “I’m also grateful for the efforts of all the other players, my coaching staff and everyone else who worked so hard behind the scenes during what was a very challenging season.

“It’s particularly tough for part-time players, having to deal with what was a congested fixture list in the latter stages as well as their full-time jobs and family commitments.

“I admire the way the players took all of that in their stride to make sure they were available whenever we needed them.

“The chairman and the directors were also magnificent in the way they supported all of us in what was the most challenging season for the club financially due to the pandemic.

“My final thanks go to the Cove Rangers supporters.

“We really missed not having you behind us at Balmoral Stadium and when we were on the road.

“But I know many of continued to support the club through Club 1922 and by paying to watch games on CRFCTV.

“That was much appreciated.

“The day when we are able to see you back at games really cannot come quickly enough.

“I’m sure you would agree the players did all of us proud.

“We will learn from good and bad over the course of the season and come back stronger and ready to go again in what I know will be an even tougher League One next term.”

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