Clyde has announced the return of goalkeeper Jay Hogarth on loan from Falkirk, just days after he left the Bully Wee to sign for the Premiership side. The 22-year-old shot-stopper had been in advanced talks with League One East Kilbride last week, but those negotiations fell through after East Kilbride decided to pursue St Johnstone goalkeeper Craig Hepburn instead.
Hogarth's impressive season earns Falkirk move
Hogarth impressed for Clyde last season, earning 13 clean sheets in 43 appearances, which prompted Falkirk to sign him. However, he has now been sent back to New Douglas Park for the forthcoming season to gain regular game time while training full-time with the Bairns.
After securing Hogarth's return, Clyde boss Darren Young told the club website: "I'm delighted to get Jay back. He proved what a good goalkeeper he is last season and deservedly made the number one spot his own despite strong competition from Brian. He was a key factor in our excellent defensive record."
East Kilbride shift focus to Hepburn
East Kilbride had been very close to signing Hogarth, but manager Mick Kennedy revealed that the club's strong relationship with St Johnstone led them to switch targets. "Jay was in the building last week and we were very far down the line with a deal, but the club has a strong relationship with St Johnstone and the minute it looked like Craig will likely be coming back here, we made the decision to pursue that instead," Kennedy told Lanarkshire Live Sport.
East Kilbride also signed Shay Kelly from St Mirren on Thursday to bolster their squad. Kennedy added: "Our full attention is now on trying to get Craig back here after his success here last season. Hopefully we can get something sorted this week, maybe bring another player in as well, and then we will take a wee breather in terms of other new signings coming in."
Development opportunity for Hogarth
Young highlighted the benefits of the arrangement for Hogarth's development: "He'll train full-time with Falkirk and get regular game time with us, both of which will be great for his development. There were other clubs interested in him, so it's great to welcome him back and we're looking forward to working with him again."
