GABLE ENDIES LAND TALENTED HIGHLAND LEAGUE YOUNGSTER ON DEADLINE DAY

Montrose FC have acted on transfer deadline day, agreeing financial terms with Rothes FC for the transfer of highly sought after midfielder Matheus Machado on an 18 month deal, bringing him to Links Park until the summer of 2024.

Born in Sao Paulo, the 21 year old began his career with local side Red Bull Brasil, before making the move to Scotland in 2018, signing for Championship outfit, Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a two year deal. On leaving the Caley Jags, international travel beckoned once more for Matheus, as he joined Portugal’s Primera Liga side, Rio Ave in the summer of 2020.

In August 2021, the now Portuguese national returned to the north of Scotland, joining League Two Elgin City, where he made 18 appearances during last season. At the start of the current campaign, Machado made the short, 10 mile trip south to sign for Breeden Highland League outfit Rothes, where he notched up 5 goals and 7 assists in 18 appearances.

Manager Stewart Petrie said, “We are delighted to have agreed terms with both Rothes and Matheus allowing us to get the deal over the line just before the window closed. He is a young, talented and very determined individual.

“Matheus has been training with us for a few weeks now and has been very impressive. He joins us at a crucial stage of the season and will strengthen our attacking options in wide areas and is also exactly the right type of character we want at our football club. I would like to thank Ross Jack and everyone at Rothes who helped make this transfer happen so quickly.”

Machado will be the first player to join the Club from The Speysiders since Hall of Fame legend Stevie King made the move in 1987.

Matheus added, “I’m truly delighted to join Montrose FC! It means a lot to me. The half-season at Rothes gave me back the joy and excitement of playing football which I will always be grateful for, and I knew if I kept working hard, new doors could open for me. Now at Montrose, I want to thank the gaffer and the whole staff for the opportunity of joining the squad. It’s a fantastic environment and the group is great. I can’t wait to get going.”