Keith boss Craig Ewen thrilled to land local lad Finlay Milton

Manager Craig Ewen hopes new signing Finlay Milton can be another local hero for Keith.

The attacker has joined the Breedon Highland League Maroons from the other team in the Moray town, North of Scotland Football League side Islavale.

For many years the majority of the Keith squad has been drawn from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, however, Ewen is keen to give local players a platform where possible.

He hopes Milton, 21, can make the most of his opportunity at Kynoch Park in the same way that fellow Keith native Scott Barron has.

Barron was also signed from Islavale two years ago and has been a regular in defence for the Maroons.

Ewen said: “Finlay has progressed over the last couple of years with Islavale and if there’s a local player who is kicking on then we’re always interested in bringing him to the club.

“We’d like to have more local players in the team, but sometimes it’s not easy to do for a number of reasons.

“But if Finlay can come in and emulate the success Scott has had with us then we’ll be chuffed.

“Hopefully he works hard and takes his opportunities when they arise.

“We’re looking forward to working with Finlay and as a local boy I’m sure he’s eager to do well for his hometown team.”

Milton’s Keith return

Milton is Keith’s third summer signing, following the additions of Jordan Tallis and Ewan Clark, and was previously part of club’s youth development set-up before moving to Islavale in the summer of 2022.

During his time with the Simpson Park side he helped them win the North Region Championship and Elginshire Cup in 2024.

Ewen is pleased Milton is returning to Keith and believes he can make an impact in a number of positions for the Maroons.

He added: “Finlay was part of our youth system and at that time he wasn’t quite ready to move into the first team.

“But he’s went out and gained really good experience in adult football with Islavale.

“Finlay has been scoring goals for Islavale, he’s tall, quick and can play in any of the attacking areas and he’s at a good age to keep progressing.

“Hopefully Finlay can come in and make a big impact for us.

“Finlay can play as a striker, a number 10 or in either of the wide positions.

“He’s played in all those positions for Islavale and it’s good to have that flexibility where he can do different jobs for the team.”

[Source: Press and Journal]