Blue Square Bet Premier club Crawley Town have beaten Scottish Cup finalists Ross County in the race to sign Greenock Morton midfielder Steve Masterton and the talented midfielder has signed a one-year contract with the Reds.
Masterton, 25, first came to the attention of Reds boss Steve Evans eighteen months ago but at that time he was unable to persuade the accomplished midfielder to move south of the border but the manager has got his man.
Masterton was outstanding against the Reds for Greenock Morton last pre-season when the teams met at Cappielow Park and throughout last season manager Steve Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor travelled up to Scotland to watch the player in action.
The central midfield player is known for his superb range of passing skills, produces a fantastic delivery from set plays and gets himself on the scoresheet on a regular basis so he is a welcome addition to the squad.
Ross County, a recent Scottish Cup Finalist, made attempts to persuade Masterton to move to the north of Scotland but the player has chosen to progress his career in England.
The player travelled to Crawley on Tuesday to be shown round the facilities and flew back South this afternoon to put pen to paper on a deal at The Broadfield Stadium.
Evans said: ''Steve Masterton is a player I have tried to get here for some time now so I am obviously pleased he has joined us, we have beaten off some good competition for his signature.
“The lad has great passing ability, passes the ball in a way that hurts opposition teams and can score a goal. He has a fantastic delivery from set plays and that was something we lacked last season, he will prove to be a real asset to the team.
“The lad had a few options. When you know Ross County want him and they have just been in the Scottish Cup Final you tend to think that it may not happen for us but the lad was keen to play his football in England and that was the key factor that has won his signature for us.
“He is very ambitious as a footballer and in signing for us he gets a huge platform to show what he can do. I would not be bringing him here if I did not think he would go on to produce the types of performances we will need in that area of the team. Thomas Pinault is a hard man to replace effectively but I think we have done that and more with this lad.”
Masterton becomes Evans` third new signing of the close season following the arrivals of Michel Kuipers and Danny Hall.
Masterton said: “I have taken my time over the move but hopefully I have made the right decision.
“I had options to sign elsewhere but that is history now, I have made my decision and my only focus is playing for Crawley Town. I have always wanted to play in England and today I have been given my chance.
“A lot will be expected of me and the Crawley Town fans can be assured I will give them everything I have, that is the least I can offer.
“The training facilities look excellent and our pre-season matches are something any player would look forward to. I cannot wait to get started, I really am looking forward to playing here.
“The team has just enjoyed a great season to finish seventh and hopefully we can build on that, the Gaffer has been very clear about that.”
(Photo shows Paul Raynor welcoming Masterton to The Broadfield Stadium)
