Football: Shirra stuck at Rose after transfer row

THE SJFA has ended the tug of war over Andy Shirra by ruling that the midfielder is officially a Linlithgow Rose player.

Bo'ness United midfielder Shirra put pen to paper on a deal to join Rose at the end of June but later decided almost immediately not to go through with the move. Shirra contacted Linlithgow to pull the plug on the transfer but the club pushed ahead and posted his registration to the Scottish Football Association, who then received a second registration form tying him to Bo'ness.

The matter was passed on to Scottish Junior Football Association chiefs, who have now decided in favour of Linlithgow.

However, the Evening News understands Shirra doesn't want to play for Linlithgow, with Bo'ness boss Alan McGonigal saying: "It looks like he's a Rose player now but he doesn't want to go there. They won't let him go, though, and the lad may just have to bite the bullet and get on with it."

Bo'ness, meanwhile, have added Falkirk centre back Scott Gibb to their squad along with ex-Aberdeen striker Steven Tarditi. They have, however, transfer listed keepers Stewart Baillie and Jordan Longmuir.

Linlithgow central defender Kevin Donnelly has signed for Newtongrange, who have also swooped for prolific striker Mel Graham from Tranent, Blair Tolmie from Arniston, John McDonald on a season-long loan from Dunfermline and David Beattie, who has come in from East Seniors side Whitehill Welfare.

Bathgate have signed Gregor Buchanan from local rivals Armadale. Willie Wilson has left to take up his new position as assistant coach at Bo'ness.