Motherwell snaps up former Ross County ace Harry Paton as the unsigned star finds a new club after court cases are dropped

MOTHERWELL have announced the signing of a contract with Harry Paton until the end of the current season.

The 24-year-old turned down a new contract with Ross County late last season but has been without a club since the summer.

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Since joining in 2018, he has been at the Highland Club for four years, naturally working under current “Well boss” Stuart Kettlewell.

The midfielder was previously called up to Canada’s senior team and had stints at Hearts and Fulham earlier in his career.

He will be number 18 at Fir Park this season and goes straight into the squad for tonight’s trip to Easter Road.

Kettlewell told the club’s website: “The option to bring Harry in came up and we wanted to do that quickly.

“He’s someone I know very well and has been impressed since he came in.

“Harry showed excellent ability and real quality the last time I worked with him and that’s something I expect from him to reiterate.

“This is a crucial part of our season and the addition of Harry gives us more options down the middle of the pitch in a busy schedule from now through the end of the season.”

Paton was due to stand trial on three domestic violence charges but was released after prosecutors dropped the case in January.

The midfielder denied all claims, which covered a period between February 2019 and May 2021, and included claims that he subjected his partner to “punitive exercise routines” and throwing around household items during an argument.

However, Paton went free earlier this year, claiming the allegations hurt his professional career.

He told The Daily Record at the time: “I am very grateful that the charges against me have been dropped.

“I am excited and eager to play football again. All allegations were false and untrue.

“These false accusations have damaged my professional career and my everyday life.”

“The charges were rightfully overturned and I now look forward to moving on.

“I want to thank my family, friends, colleagues and attorneys who have helped me through a difficult time.”

The player’s agent, Barry MacLean, said: “The allegations have hit Harry hard both professionally and personally, it has been a huge step backwards for him.

“Now we have to find a way to overcome that. Hopefully he’ll find a club now, any kind of stigma doesn’t help.”

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