Montrose FC have agreed terms with Elgin City FC for the transfer of want away striker Kane Hester on a 3 year deal, bringing the highly sought after 27 year old to Links Park for a Club record fee, until the summer of 2026. 

Having scored an impressive 84 goals in 160 appearances for the Black and Whites, including 29 last season, the locally based centre forward surprised the Moray club two weeks ago, submitting a transfer request due to changing work commitments, driving a desire for a fresh challenge and to play his football nearer to home.

Hester moved to Borough Briggs in January 2019 from Arbroath FC, where he had spent 3 and a half years under Dick Campbell, making 59 appearances and scoring 11 goals for the Red Lichties, as well as spending time on loan at Albion Rovers, Montrose Roselea, Broughty Athletic and East Kilbride.

Manager Stewart Petrie said, “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming Kane to the Club. There are very few strikers at our level that can return numbers like he has over the last 4 years, scoring, on average a goal every other game for Elgin. 

“Not surprisingly, interest and competition for his prolific services was fierce, with many offers on the table from clubs across all divisions outwith the Premiership, so for the Board to provide the incredible financial backing required, and for Kane to be convinced and determined we were the right club for him, speaks volumes for our collective, aligned ambitions. He is at a terrific age and we are really excited about the partnership he can forge upfront with Rory.

“I would also like to thank everyone at Elgin for all their help and support in facilitating this move.” 

Kane added, “I have come to an ambitious League 1 club who are currently on a high and being close to home has a place in my heart, so I definitely think the move is right for me. The Gaffer completely sold it to me from the ambition, the style of play and the way he wants to mould me into it. I just want to start playing, score goals and get us back competing at the top end of the table.”

The move is a further statement of intent from the Angus club, who also moved quickly back in August, successfully fending off similar competition to land experienced striker Rory McAllister from Cove Rangers, when he too was made available for transfer at short notice.