CANTO RETURNS TO LINKS PARK ON PERMANENT DEAL

Montrose FC have acted quickly to secure the talented services of young Chris Antoniazzi on a permanent basis, until the summer of 2022, following his recent departure from Forfar Athletic FC.

The 20 year old attacking midfielder arrived, for his second loan spell at Links Park, on transfer deadline day earlier this season from The Loons.

In a hectic season run-in, Chris has made 6 appearances, including the home tie win against Morton in the Championship Play-Off semi-final.

Previously, Antoniazzi spent Season 2018/19 at Links Park on loan from Aberdeen FC, making 26 appearances and scoring his first 2 goals in the senior game.

The following year, Chris spent half a season on loan at Cove Rangers FC where he scored 3 and bagged 4 assists in just 10 appearances.

Last summer, the talented young Don moved to Station Park on a permanent deal where he again managed 2 goals in just over 10 games, but was unable to establish himself in Stuart Malcolm’s side.

Manager Stewart Petrie said, “I am delighted Chris has agreed a permanent deal with us as I know there were other offers on the table. He has settled back in great since arriving on loan in March and his energy and ability will further strengthen our midfield options going forward into next season.”

Pic by Phoenix Photography.

MASSON LOYALTY EARNS FURTHER CONTRACT EXTENSION

Montrose FC stalwart Terry Masson has once again, committed his future to the Club by agreeing a 2 year contract extension through to the summer of 2023

The Club’s longest serving player has made an impressive 343 appearances since arriving at Links Park in June 2010 from junior side Carnoustie Panmure, and has also chipped in with 33 goals in that time.

The Dundee born midfielder has witnessed real highs and lows in his time as a Gable Endie, from the Brora scare of 2015 to the jubilation of lifting the Ladbrokes League 2 title in 2018

However, the last three seasons has seen the 32 year old’s career peak, embracing the challenge of performing in League 1, and playing a vital role in securing an incredible hattrick of top four finishes for Stewart Petrie’s side.

Unfortunately, last year’s lockdown put paid to a range of celebrations planned by Terry’s Testimonial Committee, which will now be re-scheduled in the months ahead with restrictions lifting.

Manager Stewart Petrie said, “I have said many times that Terry’s commitment and dedication to this Club has been quite outstanding. He is playing at the top of his game right now and we are delighted to have him for at least another couple of years.”

Pic by Phoenix Photography.

GABLE ENDIES SIGN DOUBLE LEAGUE WINNING LICHTIES CAPTAIN

Montrose FC have moved quickly to sign Mark Whatley on a two year deal, bringing the former Arbroath FC captain to Links Park until the summer of 2023

The highly experienced 30 year old left Gayfield earlier this week, following a successful 7 year spell that included 242 appearances, 7 goals, and both a League 2 and League 1 winners medal.

The Dundee born midfielder signed for Arbroath in the summer of 2014, from Lowland League Champions Spartans, having started his career at Raith Rovers, before moving on loan to Tayport.

Quickly becoming a first team regular, Mark made 44 starting appearances in his debut season and even caught the eye of Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes, who invited him to Pittodrie for a trial.

This continued form led to Whatley’s appointment as captain in 2016 and starting all but one league game that season he led the Red Lichties to League 2 glory.

Two years later, Mark’s captaincy helped Arbroath romp away with the League 1 title, taking the part-timers into the Championship, where they have remained since.

Manager Stewart Petrie said, “This is a great signing for us. Mark is exactly the type of player we want in the dressing room.

“The success he achieved with Arbroath was incredible and I know he can now play a huge part in helping us bring further success to Links Park.”

Our photo shows Mark with Terry Masson in a pre-season friendly in 2019 (photo by Phoenix Photography).

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UNPRECEDENTED FOUR-WAY TIE FOR MO PLAYERS, PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Further evidence, if it were needed, of the togetherness within the Montrose FC dressing room emerged last week, when voting for Players, Player of the Year ended in an incredible four-way tie as part of the Clubs End of Season Awards.

Nothing could separate Cammy Ballantyne, Sean Dillon, Graham Webster and Kerr Waddell ahead of another exciting culmination to a Gable Endies campaign.

Having lifted 3 trophies last term, Graham Webster managed to repeat the feat, adding Fans Player of the Year and Top Goalscorer to his Players Player award.

Cammy Ballantyne also doubled up, receiving the Stan Thornton trophy after members of the Willie Johnstone Lounge voted the right back their favourite player.

Having recovered from last season’s long term injury, Kerr Waddell must have been delighted by his inclusion in the dressing room vote, enhanced further by also being named Young Player of the Year.

Sponsored and organised as always by the MFC Supporters Club, the annual awards saw two new categories added for 2021.

The first, Goal of the Season, went to Russell McLean for his acrobatic overhead effort against Fraserburgh in the Scottish Cup, and the front man also walked off with the Young Fans Player of the Year trophy.

The other new award was Loan Player of the Year, which, under stiff competition, went to Cammy F Ballantyne from St Johnstone.

The final award, Directors Player of the Year, went to Andrew Steeves for another solid and consistent season.

Our photo shows Kerr, Sean, Cammy and Graham.