Montrose FC have agreed terms with Ali Shrive from Heriot-Watt University that will see the up-coming talented midfielder join the Links Park side in the summer on a two year.

The Banchory-born student has anchored the midfield of his universities side for the past 5 seasons whilst completing his Business Management studies and Master’s degree in Investment Management and Finance. He was also one of the first to benefit from a new football scholarship programme, launched last year by Heriot-Watt, offering supported pathways for students to study while receiving specialist support to advance their sport, including access to world-class training facilities.

The 22-year-old said: “The football scholarship has been amazing, allowing me options to continue to pursue a career in finance but also fulfil my dreams of becoming a pro-footballer. I’ve started to train with Montrose and the intensity of the sessions has been a huge step up from what I’m used to, but I love the challenge and can’t wait to go into pre-season.”

Assistant Manager Ross Campbell added: “Bringing in exciting, fresh young talent is vital for the Club and Ali certainly falls into this category. I have known about his ability through his record with Heriot-Watt and we believe he can take that form into League One. He should be rightly proud to be the first graduate of the Universities new sports scholarship programme to sign a professional contract. He has earned his place with us, and we look forward to welcoming him for pre-season.”

Ali becomes the second new addition to Stewart Petrie’s squad for next season following the announcement back in January of a pre-contract deal with Falkirk defender Ryan Williamson.