Kane Ritchie-Hosler returns

Three year contract for 20 year old fans favourite

Dunfermline Athletic Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Kane Ritchie-Hosler for an undisclosed fee, from Rangers Football Club.

Kane has signed a three year contract with the club. The 20 year old who was on loan last season from Rangers, now makes the move permanent. Before flying off on a summer break to Marbella this evening Kane described his feelings about the move:-

“I’m buzzing, it wasn’t really a hard choice. I’m delighted to be back and with the boys, it is what I wanted and with the reception I got from the fans it will be good to be back. It should be great.

“The fans have been massive. I get a lot of messages and comments telling me to sign. I will be on the plane when this gets out so I will not see all the messages until I turn my phone on.”

Kane made 22 appearances for Dunfermline last season and started the last 13 league matches but after joining in late September he did have to bide his time before taking his chance to cement a place in the first team. He continued:-

“At the start it was a bit difficult and then I managed to get in and claim that right hand side. I have kicked on from there, it has been relatively good and playing right wing back just developed me further.”

Kane made his Dunfermline debut in the home match against Peterhead in October but was an unused sub for six matches before starting against Queen of the South in December but he feels that it was coming on as a half time sub against Clyde in late January that paved the way to more regular game time:-

“I think I was just waiting for an opportunity. It was frustrating but when I came in with the opportunity against Clyde I had a good 45 minutes. That changed me a bit, I was coming in and out and then eventually when I got that right wing back role I have managed to make it mine thankfully. I have enjoyed the whole season and experience.”

For Kane first team football was all important but he also appreciates the help he was given by the management and coaches. That has allowed him to have kick on considerably:-

“I didn’t want to go back to not playing or being in a B team. That wasn’t what I wanted. At my age I wanted to be playing first team football and challenging myself, that is what I needed. I think I have improved a lot especially under the gaffer and the staff and Dave of course.”

The three year length of Kane’s contract demonstrates not just the club’s faith in him but also the player’s faith in the club. He closed:-

“I’m grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity, I’m just happy with how it has gone and looking forward to next season.”

Reaction from James McPake to follow on Wednesday morning.

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