Deveronvale bring in three signings including return of high-rated striker Ryan Park to soften blow of Harry Noble’s move to Buckie Thistle
One key player went out the door, and three new faces followed.
Deveronvale may have lost experienced stopper Harry Noble to neighbours Buckie Thistle, but manager Garry Wood has welcomed in a trio of fresh signings.
Striker Ryan Park has returned to the club from Inverurie Locos, who he joined a year ago and spent part of the campaign on loan at Keith.
The front man, who came through the youth ranks at Vale and made a first team breakthrough under previous boss Craig Stewart, has penned a three-year deal at Princess Royal Park.
The Banff side have also signed defender Grant Moroney on loan from Formartine United for a season, and taken in former Huntly goalkeeper Keith Robertshaw.
Park (21) made his Highland League breakthrough for Vale late in 2023, scoring his first goal for the club in a 3-1 win over Lossiemouth.
He followed that up with four goals in a three-game spell against Fraserburgh, Forres Mechanics and Huntly, and netted his sixth of the season against Inverurie Locos, who he was to join that summer.
Park’s time on the pitch at Locos was limited and he completed a loan move to Keith, getting off to a spectacular start by netting twice on his debut at eventual champions Brora Rangers in a stunning 3-2 win at Dudgeon Park.
The striker also netted for Keith in a superb 3-2 success over Buckie Thistle before returning to Locos, where his only goal was against Vale in a 6-1 win at Harlaw Park.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan back to PRP,” said manager Wood on the club’s social media. “He’s no stranger to the club, having moved to Locos last summer prior to my arrival.”
“I’ve been an admirer of Ryan’s qualities and I’m delighted that we were able to reach an agreement with Locos to bring him back. “
“I’m really looking forward to having him rejoin the group and getting to work with him.”
Stopper Moroney is another who had a successful loan spell at Keith, and has been farmed out by Formartine to help Vale replace Buckie-bound Noble.
“We were keen to move quickly once we knew Harry would be moving on from the club,” Wood said. “Grant offers versatility in being able to play across the defence and will be a good addition to the squad.”
Keeper Robertshaw will sign for Vale from Bridge of Don Thistle once his contract expires at the junior outfit.
“After meeting with Keith, it was clear he was eager to return to Highland League football following a few years away, and we're thrilled he’s chosen to do so with us.”
He will compete with Ethan Hopkinson for the number one shirt at Princess Royal Park.
