Why 'highly regarded' Raith Rovers ace Shaun Byrne got Montrose move
After an injury-blighted final season with Raith Rovers, midfielder Shaun Byrne has joined William Hill League One outfit Montrose.
The Kirkcaldy-born former Dunfermline Athletic, Livingston and Dundee player, 32, revealed his excitement to club media after joining the Gable Endies – who finished sixth in their league on 42 points from 36 matches in the 2025-2026 campaign – this week on a two-year contract.
Byrne, who was restricted to 13 Raith appearances in the season just finished due to a back problem which required surgery, having played 83 times overall for the Kirkcaldy outfit since first arriving in 2023, said: “I am delighted to be at the club and can’t wait to meet up with all the boys.
"Looking forward to the season starting and seeing all the fans.”
Montrose posted online: “Montrose FC have completed the signing of midfielder Shaun Byrne from Raith Rovers on a two‑year contract, bringing further proven quality and experience to Links Park until the summer of 2028.
"Byrne, 32, brings a wealth of experience and composure to the middle of the park, having amassed almost 450 senior appearances across his career with Raith Rovers, Dundee, Livingston and Dunfermline Athletic.
"A Scottish Challenge Cup winner with Raith this year, Byrne also has two League 1 titles to his name with Dunfermline Athletic and Livingston, a Championship medal with Dundee, as well as playing a key role in Premiership promotion play-off campaigns for both Livingston and Dundee.
"The Kirkcaldy-born midfielder is widely regarded for his ball retention, reading of the game, and ability to control tempo in high‑pressure moments.”
On securing what he and his club view as another quality signing, Montrose manager Stewart Petrie added: “Shaun is a player who improves any squad he joins.
"He knows what it takes to win and his experience, calmness in possession, and his understanding of the game make him a massive asset for us.
“He’s someone who sets high standards every day, and he’ll bring real balance and leadership to the midfield.”
Byrne becomes Petrie’s second signing of the close-season, following the recent arrival of Declan Glass.