January 2025 transfer window
Arrivals
- Sam Kane (Queen’s Park, loan)
- Josh Lane (Hamilton Academical, loan)
Departures
- Robbie Mutch (Ayr United, end of loan)
- Elliot Dunlop (Airdrieonians, end of loan)
- Jacob Pazikas (Rangers, end of loan)
- Harry Broun (Broomhill)
- Chris McQueen (Kerry FC)
- Mo Adam
Squad
Goalkeepers
- Sam Kane
- Josh Lane
Defenders
- Scott Robertson
- Tomas Brindley
- Adam Cummins
- Craig Ross
- Finn Ecrepont
- Sean McIntosh
- Lewis Reid
Midfielders
- Grant Gallagher (captain)
- Mark Russell
- Dean Hawkshaw
- Kirk McKnight
- Matty Grant
Forwards
- Max Guthrie
- Robbie Foster
- Deryn Lang
- Ryan Edgar
Player profiles
1 – Sam Kane
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of birth: 8 March 2006
Previous clubs: Rangers, Queen’s Park, East Kilbride
Home: Available
Away: Available
3rd: Available
Sam Kane was the first signing of the January 2025 transfer window for Chris Aitken, joining on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Standing well over 6 foot, the goalkeeper rose through the youth ranks at Rangers, before making the move to Queen’s Park in 2023.
Having previously been with East Kilbride on a brief emergency loan, Sam is taking his first steps in senior football at Stair Park.
2 – Scott Robertson
AKA: “Robbo”
Position: Defender or midfielder
Date of birth: 26 November 1987
Previous clubs: Arbroath, Partick Thistle, Fram Reykjavic, Stirling Albion, Queen of the South, Airdrieonians
Home: Kieron McLean
Away: Alexander Palmer
3rd: Cathy Bone
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An outstanding professional comfortable in any defensive role or in the heart of midfield, Scott Robertson is in his 11th season at Stair Park after joining from Arbroath in 2013.
A fearsome competitor, Scott’s consistency and versatility saw him become a firm favourite with supporters over many years, with only one year away at Airdrieonians in 2018/19.
Having recorded his 300th appearance back in September 2022, Robertson has a wealth of experience to pass on.
Following a spell as assistant manager and then interim manager, ‘Robbo’ remains an important figure on the park and received a testimonial match along with Grant Gallagher on 20 October to honour his service at the club.
3 – Tomas Brindley
Position: Defender or midfielder
Date of birth: 13 October 2001
Previous clubs: Kilmarnock, Dumbarton, Forfar Athletic
Home: Maggie Redhead
Away: Laura Hardie
3rd: Alistair McDowell
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Tomas Brindley joined us in June 2024 from Forfar Athletic, where he was a regular during the 2023/24 season at left back.
‘Tam’ originally moved to Forfar on loan from Kilmarnock in January 2022, having made his senior debut for the Rugby Park side as a substitute against Rangers in August 2020.
Has played both in midfield and at left back since arriving at Stranraer.
4 – Adam Cummins
AKA: “Scouse”
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 3 March 1993
Previous clubs: Everton, Motherwell, Dundee, Ayr United, Stirling Albion, Bangor City, Queen’s Park
Home: Sandy Loch
Away: Bill Paton
3rd: Billy Robb
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Adam Cummins originally joined us in summer 2018 from Queen’s Park, having scored an impressive 10 goals in 2017/18 on the way to being crowned their supporters’ Player of the Year.
The Liverpool native spent his early career at Goodison Park, before moving north to make 33 top-flight appearances for Motherwell.
The defender gained further first team experience on loan at Dundee, Ayr United and Stirling Albion, and spent a year in Wales with Bangor City after leaving Fir Park on a permanent basis in 2015.
A move to Stranraer followed, with three seasons, 85 appearances and a further seven goals – including a double at Somerset Park to earn a League Cup upset over Ayr United.
Now in his early 30s, the defender brings experience to the Blues backline.
5 – Craig Ross
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 9 June 2002
Previous clubs: Kilmarnock, Kilwinning Rangers
Home: footysab from Japan
Away: Euan Wilson
3rd: Steven Hardie
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Craig Ross joined us from Kilmarnock in June 2021, having spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Kilwinning Rangers.
The centre back showed consistency and composure early on to become a first team regular, demonstrating his threat in the box from set pieces with five goals in his first season.
Craig scooped the Player of the Year award in his first season of senior football and recorded 30 appearances in the 2022/23 campaign.
The defender was joint top scorer with a further six goals in the 2023/24 season – including that all-important header in the playoffs to help secure our league survival.
Has continued to be a key man in the Blues defence.
8 – Grant Gallagher (captain)
AKA: “Gal”
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: 11 January 1991
Previous clubs: Celtic, Dumbarton, Airdrieonians
Home: Martin McLelland and Vicky McNally
Away: Andrew McLaughlin
3rd: Gary Redhead
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A legendary figure around the club with nearly 300 appearances to his name, Grant Gallagher is in his second spell at Stranraer, having returned in summer 2019.
The former Celtic prospect originally joined us in 2010 and spent five seasons with the Blues, narrowly missing out on promotion before leaving for an opportunity in the Championship with Dumbarton in 2015.
The defender turned midfielder scored his only goal of 2018/19 against us for Airdrieonians at Stair Park, before missing the 2019/20 season at Stranraer through injury.
Overcame this setback to become a first team regular again for the Blues, and accepted the captaincy ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
Injury reared its head once more in 2023, but Gal battled back to return just in time for the run-in, and produced a moment of magic in the playoffs to help keep his team in the SPFL.
Alongside team mate Scott Robertson, Gal’s decade of contributions to Stranraer FC was celebrated with a testimonial match on 20 October.
11 – Mark Russell
Position: Defender or Midfielder
Date of birth: 22 March 1996
Previous clubs: Greenock Morton, Falkirk, Finn Harps, Galway United, Portadown
Home: G&M Motors and Kayleigh Gray
Away: James Verity
3rd: KP Electrical
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A versatile player with a wealth of experience in the Scottish Championship, League of Ireland and the NIFL, Mark Russell joined us in summer 2024 after opting to return to Scotland.
Mark spent five years at Morton early in his career and a further year at Falkirk, before successful spells at Finn Harps and Galway United, either side of a further year at Morton.
Two years with Portadown in the NIFL saw Mark record 87 appearances, picking up Championship and Mid Ulster Cup medals, as well as being part of the side who contested the League Cup final.
Capable across the midfield, at full back or as a secondary striker, Mark’s extensive experience, creativity and skill set make him an important player for the Blues.
Featured on the right flank in his early games for Stranraer, but rose up the scoring charts after moving to a more central role under Chris Aitken.
13 – Josh Lane
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of birth: 22 June 2006
Previous clubs: Hamilton Academical, Thorniewood United
Home: Jackie Gilchrist
Away: Available
3rd: Available
Josh Lane made the switch to Stranraer in January 2025, having previously impressed on loan at Thorniewood United where he was first choice goalkeeper.
The young shot-stopper is competing for the number one jersey at Stair Park with fellow loanee Sam Kane this season.
14 – Dean Hawkshaw
AKA: “Deano”
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: 24 April 1997
Previous clubs: Kilmarnock, Airdrieonians, Glenafton Athletic
Home: David Murray
Away: Evan Ross
3rd: Paul Neill
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Dean Hawkshaw rejoined the club in July 2021, having spent time at the Blues on loan in the 2017/18 season.
The creative midfielder made 21 appearances for Kilmarnock before his first spell on loan at Stair Park, before turning out for Airdrieonians and Glenafton Athletic.
Hawkshaw notched up a total of five assists and one goal in his return season at Stair Park, but injury curtailed his 2022/23 campaign which saw two goals in 20 appearances.
Although further injury setbacks hampered his 2023/24 season, Deano’s quality on the ball and incisive passing are important assets to the Blues.
17 – Kirk McKnight
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: 14 August 2004
Previous clubs: Kilmarnock, Dumbarton, Cumbernauld Colts, Broomhill
Home: Pogo and Rhys Paterson
Away: Martin Goodfellow
3rd: DJA Joinery
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Kirk McKnight joined us in July 2024 following a successful trial spell.
Having turned out in League One for Dumbarton as a loanee at the age of just 16, Kirk gained further first team experience with Lowland League sides Cumbernauld Colts and Broomhill.
The Kilmarnock youth product scored from distance against Hurlford United in a friendly before putting pen to paper at Stair Park.
Has played as a central midfielder at Stranraer after being used primarily at right back during his time with Broomhill.
18 – Max Guthrie
Position: Striker
Date of birth: 14 March 2006
Previous clubs: Ayr United
Home: Martin, Catrina and Alastair Young
Away: Bob McPherson
3rd: Available
Ayr United academy product Max Guthrie signed on loan as the 2024 summer transfer window closed.
The youngster recorded his Ayr first team debut away to Rangers in the Scottish Cup, and made the move to Stranraer with the aim of getting SPFL experience under his belt.
Max was Scott Agnew’s final signing in August 2024, and scored his first Blues goal away to Forfar the following month.
19 – Finn Ecrepont
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 30 July 2002
Previous clubs: Ayr United, Albion Rovers
Home: Claire Fergusson
Away: Luke McCracken
3rd: Richard Wade Joinery Ltd
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Scotland youth international Finn Ecrepont initially joined us on loan from Ayr United in January 2023, making 13 appearances and scoring once.
Despite returning to Somerset Park at the end of the 2022/23 season, Finn found his first team opportunities limited at the Championship side.
The left back returned to Stair Park in January 2024, making headlines the following month with an audacious 70-yard wonder goal.
21 – Robbie Foster
Position: Forward
Date of birth: 4 May 2001
Previous clubs: Chesterfield, IFK Mora, Maltby, Fort William, Huntly
Home: Dave Bell
Away: Orla, Magnus and Struan Connor
3rd: Emyl Lewicki
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Robbie Foster joined us in July 2024 after making a name for himself in the Highland League as a quick and strong attacker with an eye for goal.
The Sheffield native rose through the youth ranks at English fourth tier side Chesterfield, before playing in Sweden and gaining first team experience in the Highlands.
Robbie made 42 appearances for Huntly in the 2023/24 season, scoring 17 goals and contributing nine assists.
An injury at Clyde in August 2024 saw Robbie sidelined for four months, before returning to action at home to Edinburgh City in December.
22 – Sean McIntosh
AKA: “Shifty”
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 10 January 1997
Previous clubs: Celtic, Airdrieonians, Brechin City
Home: Graeme and Josh Blain
Away: Nigel Redhead
3rd: Tom Buchanan
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Predominantly a right back, Sean McIntosh joined us in June 2021 following two years at Brechin City and three seasons at Airdrieonians.
Sean rose through the youth ranks at Celtic, and has been a first team regular since arriving at Stair Park.
‘Shifty’ picked up the Player’s Player of the Year award from his team mates for his efforts in the 2022/23 season.
Danced his way through the East Kilbride defence and score a crucial goal in the playoff first leg at K-Park, before playing his part in the second leg as the Blues secured SPFL football for another season.
23 – Matty Grant
Position: Winger
Date of birth: 16 November 2001
Previous clubs: Bellshill Athletic, St Mirren, Pollok
Home: Sport Skillz Coaching
Away: Jayden Block
3rd: Alex Smith
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Pollok’s Player of the Year for 2021/22, Matty Grant joined us in August 2022 after a development fee was agreed with the Newlandsfield club.
An exciting and determined player who gets fans on the edge of their seats, Matty is comfortable playing anywhere on the park but likes to drive forward, and scored five goals in the 2022/23 season.
Has largely featured on the right side of midfield for Stranraer, where his energy and pressing is a constant nuisance for defenders.
Battled through injury setbacks to add four goals and two assists across 33 appearances in the 2023/24 season.
24 – Deryn Lang
Position: Striker
Date of birth: N/A
Previous clubs: Royal Albert, Lanark United
Home: Bryden Properties Strathaven
Away: Mark Lang
3rd: George Reid (Lanark United)
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Deryn Lang joined us in July 2023, after impressing during a trial period which saw him score twice in a 4-1 friendly win at Kilwinning Rangers.
Praised for his work rate, the striker represented West of Scotland League clubs Royal Albert and Lanark United, before starting his journey in the SPFL.
Scored the Blues’ fifth goal in a memorable defeat of Dumbarton, which led commentator Brian Martin to dub him ‘Bang Bang Deryn Lang’ and inspired his very own music video tribute.
Headed home an important equaliser against Bonnyrigg Rose late in the 2023/24 season, and grabbed a further three goals in five games to start the 2024/25 season, along with an incredible equaliser at Threave Rovers to help secure a third round place in the Scottish Cup.
25 – Ryan Edgar
Position: Striker
Date of birth: N/A
Previous clubs: Kilwinning Rangers, Auchinleck Talbot, Stranraer Reserves
Home: James Edgar Driving School
Away: Ayr Boswell 2010s
3rd: Scotia Windows & Doors
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Ryan Edgar impressed for the Blues’ South of Scotland Football League side, scoring over 30 goals and earning a place in the first team squad.
After coming off the bench away to Forfar Athletic, the local youngster bagged a goal on his home debut the following week against league champions Stenhousemuir.
Having made a promising start to his Blues career, Ryan was rewarded with a new contract for 2024/25.
26 – Lewis Reid
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 27 July 2004
Previous clubs: Queen’s Park
Home: Janet Thomson
Away: Claire Fergusson
3rd: Available
Lewis Reid joined us from Queen’s Park just before the September 2024 loan deadline.
The young defender made several Championship appearances for the Hampden side in recent seasons, along with further League Cup minutes in summer 2024.
Hailing from Dalry, the towering defender is with us until the end of the season.
Departures
Tam Orr
Position: Striker
Date of birth: 13 March 1997
Previous clubs: St Mirren, Greenock Morton, East Stirlingshire, Livingston, Queen’s Park, BSC Glasgow, Stenhousemuir
Home: Noah Jones
Away: Adam Facer
3rd: Connor Gibson
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Tam Orr initially joined us in summer 2020 after two prolific seasons at BSC Glasgow in the Lowland League, which saw him score 43 goals in total.
Having turned out for Morton, East Stirlingshire, Livingston and Queen’s Park as a youngster, Orr made his mark on League Two with 11 goals in his first season at Stair Park.
Returned in summer 2023 as the first signing of the transfer window, adding a further six goals across the 2023/24 season.
Moved on in July 2024, before linking up with former boss Stephen Swift at West of Scotland side Cumnock.
Paul Woods
AKA: “Woodsy”
Position: Winger
Date of birth: 18 September 1986
Previous clubs: East Kilbride, Lanark United, Petershill, Queen’s Park
Home: Martin McLelland and Vicky McNally
Away: Sharon and Alan Craig
3rd: Flynn and Noah Woods
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Fan favourite Paul Woods returned for a third spell to become the Blues’ new player/coach.
After a fine career in the juniors, Queen’s Park handed Woods his senior break in 2014, and the winger went on to score 26 goals in 122 appearances for the Spiders.
Having secured the Lowland League title with East Kilbride, Woods was a regular during the Blues’ 2017/18 League One campaign, before returning for a three year stint back at EK.
Was ever-present in the Blues side of 2021/22, making 40 appearances and scoring five goals to cap an impressive return season.
Started the 2022/23 term in blistering form, only to suffer a career-threatening injury during a home win over Forfar Athletic.
Rejoined the club in summer 2024 to complete a remarkable comeback, before moving on in October and joining Cumbernauld Colts.
Ben Hughes
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: 24 August 2004
Previous clubs: Kilmarnock, East Kilbride, Hurlford United
Home: Available
Away: Benblair Consulting Ltd
3rd: Ian Smith
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Ben Hughes is a left footed central midfielder who joined the Blues in June 2023.
Hughes made the move to Stranraer following a season with East Kilbride, where he featured over 25 times for the Lowland League contenders.
The former Kilmarnock youth prospect gained his first SPFL experience at Stair Park, before heading out on loan to West of Scotland side Hurlford United.
Having picked up an end of season award at Blair Park, Hughes returned to Stranraer, making four appearances before signing for Hurlford on a permanent basis in September 2024.
Robbie Mutch
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of birth: 20 August 1998
Previous clubs: Aberdeen, Arbroath, Falkirk, Dumbarton, Edinburgh City, Ayr United
Home: Bully Zero from Australia
Away: Available
3rd: Available
Robbie Mutch joined us on loan from Ayr United in September 2024, having made 12 outings for Scott Brown’s side since arriving last year.
After rising through the ranks at Aberdeen, Robbie recorded 79 appearances during five years at Falkirk, which included loan spells at Arbroath and Dumbarton.
Standing at 6 foot 4, Robbie was also number one at Edinburgh City during their 2022/23 League One campaign, and kept two clean sheets in his seven appearances at Stranraer.
Returned early to parent club Ayr United in December 2024 due to their goalkeeping crisis.
Elliot Dunlop
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: 2 November 2005
Previous clubs: Rangers, St Mirren, Airdrieonians
Home: Jackie Gilchrist
Away: Jack and Fred MacPherson
3rd: Anne Murdoch
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Elliot Dunlop joined on loan ahead of our final pre-season friendly in July 2024.
The highly-rated former Rangers youngster notched up 10 first team appearances for Airdrieonians after arriving at New Broomfield from St Mirren in summer 2023.
Highly capable on the ball, the attacking midfielder can play centrally or on either flank, and made his Stair Park debut in a cup win over the Blues back in November 2023.
Scored a memorable goal in the League Cup tie with Raith Rovers in July 2024 to get up and running for Stranraer, one of a total of five goals in his loan spell.
Returned to Airdrie in the January 2025 transfer window.
Jacob Pazikas
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of birth: 13 January 2005
Previous clubs: Rangers, Civil Service Strollers
Home: Mike McLean
Away: Graham Keir
3rd: David Blain
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Jacob Pazikas joined us on loan from Rangers in June 2024.
The young goalkeeper gained first team experience on loan at Civil Service Strollers last term, helping the Edinburgh side to a 7th place finish in the Lowland League.
The former Scotland U17 international made 16 appearances for the Blues before returning to Rangers in January 2025.
Chris McQueen
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 20 February 2002
Previous clubs: Celtic, Stenhousemuir, Weymouth, East Kilbride
Home: Duncan Kerr
Away: Logan Wilson
3rd: James Corbett
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Former Celtic youth defender Chris McQueen put pen to paper in January 2024.
Capped at under 17s level for Scotland, McQueen moved to Stair Park following his departure from Lowland League challengers East Kilbride, having previously turned out for English National League outfit Weymouth.
A first team regular in 2024, Chris also has previous SPFL experience, having spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Stenhousemuir.
Made the centre back position his own to become an important member of the Blues defence, before playing his part in the playoff heroics back in May 2024.
Was released in January 2025 to take up a work opportunity in Ireland.
Harry Broun
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of birth: 16 August 2003
Previous clubs: Kilmarnock, Kilwinning Rangers, Dumbarton, Johnstone Burgh
Home: Gavin Parry-Jones
Away: Colin Broun
3rd: Paul Ginn
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Goalkeeper Harry Broun rose through the youth ranks at Kilmarnock, including a loan spell at Kilwinning Rangers which saw the Buffs achieve a fifth-placed finish in the West of Scotland Premier Division.
A native of Minishant, Harry then joined Stevie Farrell’s Dumbarton in summer 2022.
The shot stopper gained significant experience in his two seasons at the Rock and was selected for the Scottish Cup tie against Rangers in January 2024, before moving out on loan to Johnstone Burgh to gain further first team experience.
Joined us in June 2024, making his debut in our League Cup tie against Ross County, before moving on loan to Hurlford United.
Made a permanent switch to Lowland League side Broomhill in January 2025.
Mo Adam
Position: Winger or Striker
Date of birth: 27 February 2005
Previous clubs: Motherwell
Home: Matthew McCallum
Away: David Kirkwood
3rd: Craig Rice
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Young striker Muhammad Adam joined us in June 2024 after rising through the youth ranks at Motherwell.
‘Mo’ became the Blues’ second signing of the summer transfer window after impressing in the PFA Talent Showcase and Exit Trials.
Has taken his first steps in senior football this season, recording three substitute appearances for Stranraer before moving on in January 2025.
