A disagreement over a mid-season holiday request led to Rory McAllister’s departure from Cove Rangers.
The former Peterhead striker has joined League One side Montrose on a two-year deal after being transfer listed by Cove earlier this week.
The striker’s former club Brechin City were keen to bring McAllister back to Glebe Park but Montrose won the race for the player’s signature.
The 35-year-old scored 31 goals in 79 appearances for Cove since joining the club from Peterhead in January 2020.
His playing time had been limited this season with only three substitute appearances during Cove’s four Premier Sports Cup group matches.
McIntyre said: “We wish him well.
“Rory intimated that he wanted to go on holiday and the holiday was already booked but we can’t have players going on holiday during the season.
“We came to an agreement and Rory has now left the club but we wish him every success.
“He has been a brilliant player for Cove over the past few years and I am sure he will do well at Montrose.”
McAllister said he was disappointed with the way his time at Cove had ended but was relishing his move to Montrose.
‘Montrose felt like a no-brainer’
He said: “I had a holiday booked in September with the family because I wasn’t able to get away before this because of work commitments.
“We just had a baby at the end of March and there were also passport issues.
“I offered to fly home early from the holiday and not miss the game but that wasn’t good enough.
“I tried to compromise. I also wasn’t playing and I don’t know if that was a reason.
“I felt I did well for Cove whenever I played.
“I’m going to miss it as it was a great bunch of boys.
“It just didn’t work out but I’m looking forward to the new challenge.
“I had a few offers but Montrose felt like a no-brainer.
“Montrose are a good team, it’s a good club and the manager seems brilliant.
“I think I could do well here and I’m looking forward to getting going with them.
“It was disappointing to leave Cove as I feel I could have done well this season.
“It just didn’t pan out the way it should have.”
‘He will bring unbelievable quality’
Montrose boss Stewart Petrie said: “We are all delighted to welcome Rory to Links Park.
“His stats and reputation speak for themselves. He will bring unbelievable quality and extensive experience to the team and obviously significantly strengthen our attacking options.
“I would also like to publicly recognise the fantastic effort and support from the chairman and the board in making this happen and to the help and assistance received from Cove.”
McIntyre, meanwhile, remains determined to bolster his Cove squad for the coming season.
Defender Evan Towler has joined on loan from Aberdeen, while former Halifax Town forward Gerry McDonagh has signed on a one-year deal.
Cove start life in the Championship with the visit of Raith Rovers on Saturday.
The Stark’s Park club added Aberdeen left-back Kieran Ngwenya to their squad for this weekend’s match after he joined on a season-long loan deal.
GABLE ENDIES WIN RACE TO SECURE McALLISTER TRANSFER
Montrose FC have moved quickly and decisively to complete the transfer of highly acclaimed forward Rory McAllister from Cove Rangers on a 2 year deal for an undisclosed fee. pic.twitter.com/wczoLRt7j3
— Montrose FC (@MontroseFC) July 28, 2022
Former Ross County and Dundee manager McIntyre said: “We need four players.
“We will be trying our utmost to add that to the squad.
“In order to have a squad that can challenge we need another four players.
“Once the Premiership clubs have got their squads assembled I think you will see over the next couple of weeks players getting allowed out on loan.
“For us it just depends what is available and if it is the right type of player.
“Whether it is a loan or a permanent deal, it is about getting a player who will fit into the squad and complement the quality we already have.”
