Former Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty has been unveiled as a shock new signing for Lanark outfit Forth Wanderers, who play in the eighth tier of Scottish football.
The 38-year-old has joined from West of Scotland Premier side Johnstone Burgh, with the move coming after investment in Forth by multi-millionaire businessman and rock star Paul McManus, drummer in the band Gun.
Lafferty's excitement and club's ambition
Forth compete in the West of Scotland Second Division, and Lafferty says he is buzzing to get going after switching Renfrewshire for Lanarkshire. He follows in the footsteps of former Old Firm players including Rangers great Willie Waddell and ex-Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper Rab Douglas to feature for the club.
The former Northern Ireland international, who won 89 caps for his country, said: "I’m really excited to get started at Forth Wanderers. It's another project that I'm thrilled to be involved in and I can hopefully help the team climb the leagues and stamp their authority in the Junior leagues and beyond."
Manager and owner reactions
Forth gaffer Gerry Ward added: "I’m absolutely thrilled to secure the services of Laff. He brings quality, experience, and an elite mentality to the club, and the players and my staff can’t wait to get working with him.
"It’s a real coup for both the club and the village, and it sends a clear message to the wider football community about the ambition and vision that both Paul and I share for the future of Forth Wanderers.
"We’re building something special here, and bringing in someone of Laff’s calibre is another major step forward on that journey."
McManus said: "We're absolutely delighted to welcome Kyle Lafferty to Forth Wanderers. His experience, quality and winning mentality speak for themselves, and securing a player of Kyle's calibre is a real statement of intent for everyone connected with the club.
"Gerry and I have shared a clear ambition to build a squad that can compete, excite our supporters and raise standards.
"Kyle's arrival is another significant step in that journey. He's someone who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level, and his leadership both on and off the pitch will be invaluable to the dressing room.
"But this is about more than what happens over 90 minutes on a Saturday. We want Forth Wanderers to be a club that inspires its local community, gives young people something to believe in, and creates opportunities for the next generation of players to develop and fulfil their potential.
"This signing demonstrates that Forth Wanderers is serious about its future. We're building something the local community can be proud of. There's still plenty of hard work ahead, but we're excited to see Kyle in a Forth Wanderers shirt."
Upcoming debut
Forth are currently 13th in the table after four points from their opening four games, and Lafferty could make his debut in Wednesday night's clash away to Larkhall Thistle.
