Hearts defender Arron Darge has sealed his Tynecastle exit after signing a two-year deal with Cove Rangers.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell with Kelty Hearts last season as the Fife outfit dodged relegation from League One, with Darge netting in consecutive outings against Edinburgh City and Peterhead.
Having come through the Jambos ranks to captain the B team in the Lowland League, the academy ace now gets set to take on the task of steering Cove back to Scotland's second tier. The new venture will see Darge go up against his previous club Kelty as both prepare to battle it out in League One, and he sees the move to the north-east as the next logical step in his young career.
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He told the club website: “I had a great time at Hearts, worked with so many good people, and that gave me a start in football. I learned so much there.
“Going out on loan in the second half of last season was important for my development and playing in midfield took me out of my comfort zone. It was a big test, but I think I benefitted from it, and I really enjoyed it.
“The fact that Cove are moving to full-time football played a big part in my decision to come here, and I think that working with the manager and coaching staff will help me to improve my all-round game.
“While I do like to step out with the ball on occasion, my main strength is defending, and whichever position I play, that will be what I’ll be focusing on.
“I’ve had my holiday, and to be honest, it’s starting to drag a bit now; I can’t wait to get started. I think it will help that there are going to be a number of other new boys in the same position as me, and I look forward to getting to know them, and doing what I can for the club.”
With the lure of the transition to full-time football a big sway in the decision Darge is raring to go as the squad prepare for pre-season next week, and Cove boss Paul Hartley sees value in his signing after a promising chat with former Hearts gaffer Robbie Neilson.
Hartley added: “He had a good loan spell at Kelty, we watched him there, and I’ve got no doubt he can make a big contribution for us.
“Arron is mainly a centre-half, but he has filled in at right-back, and he’s also played one up in the midfield. He definitely gives us some good options.
“He’s full of energy and drive, is a strong player, and the perfect profile for us.
“I spoke to Robbie Neilson, who could not have been more positive about Arron, and given more experience, he is going to be a really good player for us in the future.”
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