Former Brechin City and Cove Rangers striker Grady McGrath reveals why he’s joined Banks o’ Dee

Grady McGrath is targeting more success in the Breedon Highland League after joining Banks o’ Dee.

The striker has joined the Spain Park side on a two-year contract after leaving League One outfit Cove Rangers last month.

McGrath, who hails from Dundee, netted 35 goals with Brechin City and helped them win the Highland League title during the 2022-23 campaign.

The following season the 24-year-old scored 34 times for the Hedgemen to earn a move into the SPFL with Cove.

However, McGrath struggled to establish himself as a regular at the Balmoral Stadium and rejoined Brechin on a season-long loan last term, during which he bagged 29 goals.

Now he has opted to sign for Dee and speaking to the Press and Journal about the move, he said: “Banks o’ Dee have tried to sign me a few times in the last few years.

“Although I had a few other options the way they sold it to me in terms of their plan for next season made me want to sign.

“There’s a belief at the club that we can go and achieve something good so hopefully we can do that.

“On a personal level I hope I can have another successful season next season and score plenty of goals.

“In terms of the team, I’ve played against Banks o’ Dee often enough to know they’re a very good side, so hopefully we can be right up there challenging in the league and in the cups.

“During my time in the Highland League it’s always been tight at the top and I think next season will be similar.

“Hopefully we can be involved in the mix at the top.”

McGrath is proven at the level

McGrath is Dee’s fifth summer signing and follows Lewis Lorimer, Kevin Hanratty, Hamish MacLeod and Dugald Farquhar in arriving at Spain Park.

Co-manager Paul Lawson is pleased to have recruited a proven goalscorer.

He added: “It’s a big signing for us and we’re delighted to get Grady on board.

“To bring in someone of his quality is a big thing and his record at this level is excellent.

“Grady went to Cove a couple of years ago for the opportunity to play at a higher level and it didn’t quite work out for whatever reason.

“But he’s champing at the bit to get going again and get back among the goals so hopefully he can help us get to where we want to go.

“Generally all the teams at the top end have someone who will score between 20 and 30 goals.

“Lachie MacLeod did that for us a couple of seasons ago, but last season we didn’t quite have that and we saw the difference.

“Taking in someone in Grady who is a proven goalscorer is a big thing and hopefully he’s the perfect foil for Lachie and they can form a good partnership.”

Angus available

Meanwhile, Deveronvale have placed Cameron Angus on the transfer list.

The 24-year-old attacker first joined the Banffers on loan from Elgin City in January 2022 before making the switch to Princess Royal Park permanently in the summer of 2022.

However, Angus – who had a loan spell at Buchanhaven Hearts at the tail end of last season – could now be set for a move and other clubs have been notified about his availability.

[Source: Press and Journal]