Montrose have had one of the most settled squads in Scottish football in recent times as they have cemented their place in League One.
But while they have made more moves this summer than ever before, Montrose are confident their rebuilding work will reap the rewards.
The Links Park side have maintained their core group of experienced professionals who are in a queue for testimonials.
And in the last 12 months they have broken their transfer record twice for marquee signings – Rory McAllister and Kane Hester.
They have also explored different markets by signing university graduates such as Ali Shrive and Craig Brown.
Now they are beginning to see the fruits of their labour through their academy with Luca Giacomini, Callum Grant and Cammy Middleton penning professional deals this summer.
And assistant boss Ross Campbell has outlined the multi-pronged squad building approach being adopted by Montrose.
Signs are good that their summer work will pay off after a comfortable 3-1 friendly win at Arbroath.
“We have had to be very clever on recruitment,” said Campbell.
“Our model is to have three groups of players.
“We have the core group of players who have been here for a long time and know what Montrose is all about. That’s crucial.
“Then we have our ‘marquee’ signings and the board have been fantastic in their backing on those.
“Our final cohort is a young group that we are keen to develop from either or academy or different markets.”
Montrose veterans
Montrose have no fewer than five players in their current squad who have played over 200 times for the club.
Terry Masson enjoyed his testimonial last year, with Paul Watson in the midst of his benefit year.
Graham Webster will soon follow and Andrew Steeves is also on course for a testimonial.
Ex-Dundee United defender Sean Dillon, who strolled through two matches in under 24 hours as Montrose faced Forfar and Arbroath at the weekend, has also crashed through the 200-game mark.
Montrose marquee signings
Montrose have backed Stewart Petrie’s side by splashing the cash on a ‘marquee’ signing two years running.
Last year Rory McAllister arrived from Cove Rangers and he was joined in attack this summer by Kane Hester in a fee in excess of £25,000.
Ryan Williamson, who has played over 200 games for Falkirk, Partick Thistle and Dunfermline has also signed.
Future Links Park stars
In the final group, Montrose have scoured the talent pool at universities, their academy and local junior sides seeking to develop future stars.
Brazilian Matheus Machado joined from Highland League side Rothes and sports scholarship graduate Ali Shrive arrived from Heriot-Watt University.
Craig Batchelor has joined from Carnoustie Panmure and has two goals in two games, while Aberdeen youngster Evan Towler has joined on loan.
Keeper Ross Matthews was promoted from the club’s youth academy last year.
And he was joined by Giacomini, Grant and Middleton this term.
Giacomini showed great versatility to play in defence and midfield in Friday’s friendly defeat to Forfar.
And Grant stepped off the bench to net twice against Arbroath in Saturday’s victory at Gayfield.
“We have signed players from universities and that can be a successful approach,” added Campbell.
“You are getting players who have essentially been full-time athletes whilst studying. It’s our job to develop them further.
“We brought Ali in and also signed Craig Brown that way.
“You can see he has real talent and is a free spirit. If we can add some discipline to his play he can be really effective.
“It’s the same with the young players who are making the breakthrough.
“Luca he did well in defence and showed he can step into midfield.
“You also saw the impact Callum made in coming off the bench to score twice at Arbroath.
“He’s young and still learning but that kind of experience will be invaluable to his development.”
