Former Hearts star completes latest transfer after multi-millionaire rock star's big investment
The former Hearts star also featured for the likes of Rangers, Sunderland and more.
A former Hearts and Sunderland star has signed for a lower league Scottish club after investment from a multi-millionaire rock star.
Kyle Lafferty is a well travelled striker and has featured for Rangers, the Jambos, Sunderland, Norwich City and more in a wide-ranging career. He was most recently with Johnstone Burgh in the West of Scotland Football League divisions and now signs for Forth Wanderers who also play in that structure.
The big name arrival comes as Paul McManus, drummer with Scottish rock band GUN, kickstarts ambition to support his hometown club’s development. A Forth Wanderers statement on the former Hearts and Sunderland striker said: “Forth Wanderers, the West of Scotland Football League team, has announced the signing of former Rangers and Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty following investment in the club by multi-millionaire businessman and rock star, Paul McManus.
Who has Kyle Lafferty signed for?
“Kyle, 38, joins the club from Johnstone Burgh, where he helped the club to promotion to the WOSFL Premier Division as well as lifting the Scottish Junior Cup. Capped 89 times by Northern Ireland, scoring 20 goals in the process, Kyle has enjoyed a stellar career in England, Italy and Switzerland as well as his stints at Rangers, Hearts and Kilmarnock in Scotland. The signing comes as Paul, drummer with Scottish rock band GUN, begins his plans to support the long-term development of his hometown club, who currently play in the WOSFL Second Division.
“Mr McManus has outlined a two-pronged vision focused on strengthening the first-team squad, led by manager Gerry Ward, while expanding the club’s role within the local community. Youth development will be a particular priority, with several age-group teams already established to create opportunities for the next generation and help engage young people who may otherwise feel excluded.”
McManus said: "We're absolutely delighted to welcome Kyle Lafferty to Forth Wanderers. His experience, quality and winning mentality speak for themselves, and securing a player of Kyle's calibre is a real statement of intent for everyone connected with the club. Gerry and I have shared a clear ambition to build a squad that can compete, excite our supporters and raise standards. Kyle's arrival is another significant step in that journey. He's someone who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level, and his leadership both on and off the pitch will be invaluable to the dressing room.
Why has Kyle Lafferty signed for Forth Wanderers?
“But this is about more than what happens over 90 minutes on a Saturday. We want Forth Wanderers to be a club that inspires its local community, gives young people something to believe in, and creates opportunities for the next generation of players to develop and fulfil their potential. This signing demonstrates that Forth Wanderers is serious about its future. We're building something the local community can be proud of. There's still plenty of hard work ahead, but we're excited to see Kyle in a Forth Wanderers shirt."
Lafferty added: “I’m really excited to get started at Forth Wanderers. It's another project that I'm thrilled to be involved in and I can hopefully help the team climb the leagues and stamp their authority in the Junior leagues and beyond.”