Best January Transfer From Each SPFL Team (Part Two)

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article looking at the best January transfer from each SPFL team. That was part one and looked at Aberdeen, Celtic, Dundee, Dundee United, Hearts and Hibs. Today in part two, we’ll be investigating the best January incoming at Livingston, Motherwell, Rangers, Ross County, St. Johnstone and St. Mirren. 

Let’s begin with the former. 

Livingston - Morgan Boyes

Morgan Boyes was one of two Livingston players who signed on permanent deals in January. The Welshman joined from none other than English Premier League giants, Liverpool. 

Boyes came out of the academy at the Anfield side and made several appearances for their youth teams. The centre back even started and played ninety minutes in an EFL Cup tie for the senior team in 2019. 

A Welsh youth International with a total of 29 caps to his name, Boyes is a right footed centre back who stands at 5”10. 

It is fair to say the likes of Ayo Obileye and Jack Fitzwater have been difficult to replace in the Livingston starting eleven this season. This is proved with the fact Boyes is yet to start for the Lions however he has made four appearances from the bench, racking up twenty three minutes. 

Boyes offers a youthful option who could do no more than provide an ample option for David Martindale in central defence. Furthermore, the twenty year old undoubtedly has a high ceiling and could help Livingston financially in the future via a big sale, should he impress in West Lothian. 

Motherwell - Ross Tierney

It cannot be denied that Motherwell have significantly improved under Graham Alexander. The Lanarkshire club are currently fifth in the Scottish Premiership and it was yet another busy transfer window at Fir Park in January. 

Victor Nirennold, Jordan Roberts and Liam Shaw all joined on short term deals whereas Joe Efford and Ross Tierney signed one and a half and three and a half year deals respectively. It is the latter that I believe to be the best bit of business the Steelmen carried out in January. 

As mentioned, Tierney signed a three and a half year deal upon the expiry of his contract at Irish side, Bohemians. 

Tierney made 67 appearances for Bohemians, scoring 12 goals and registering 13 assists. The Irishman even netted on only his third Motherwell appearance as the Steelmen salvaged a point in Paisley. 

At only twenty years old, Tierney appears to be an investment for the future and in the few appearances he’s had at Motherwell so far, he definitely looks auspicious. 

Rangers - Aaron Ramsey 

I think this one speaks for itself. Although they didn’t endure the greatest start to 2022 on the pitch, Rangers made some diverting dealings off it. Manchester United wonder kid Amad Diallo signed temporarily for six months, young Polish right back Mateusz Zukowski joined from Lechia Gdańsk and James Sands was brought in on an initial loan deal. Alongside this trio of new arrivals was Aaron Ramsey. 

The 71 time Wales International made the deadline day move from Turin to Ibrox, raising excitement among many Rangers fans. 

Ramsey joined on a six month loan and although there is no option to buy in the deal, priority will be given to Rangers should they wish to pursue the permanent signing of the thirty one year old. 

Of course, Aaron Ramsey is an exceedingly talented footballer who could undoubtedly dispose his talents to all and thrive in the Scottish Premiership for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side. However, the injury issues he’s faced throughout his career cannot be denied. 

Ramsey has managed only 39 league starts in the last three and a half seasons, something that will be a cause for concern for the Gers. 

Nonetheless, the chance to get regular game time under his belt and be part of a side challenging for trophies is a huge one for Ramsey. 

Ross County - Kayne Ramsay

With Arsenal recalling Harry Clarke in January in order to then immediately loan him out to Hibernian, Ross County had to sign a valid replacement for one of their key players from the first half of the season. 

Kayne Ramsay was the man who was drafted in to take Clarke’s place in the team and was brought in from Southampton on a loan until the end of the season. 

The twenty one year old previously enjoyed loan spells at both Shrewsbury and Crewe Alexandra where he made a total of 24 appearances for both clubs. 

Ramsay is a right back who likes to get forward. The defender has so far made 7 appearances for County and bagged a late equaliser off the bench against Livingston when the Staggies rescued a draw. 

Although there is no option to buy in the deal, it is still a fine piece of business from Ross County to, so far at least, adequately replace one of their stars of the first half of the season. 

In addition, Ramsay’s arrival may also help to shore up a defence that is statistically the worst in the league. 

St. Johnstone - Dan Cleary 

St. Johnstone greatly struggled in the opening half of the 21/22 campaign. This trend has seemed to continue into the second half with the Perth Sainties sitting bottom of the table with twelve games to go. 

In the summer window, St. Johnstone looked to replace some of their key players of the 20/21 season by making numerous loan deals. However, these were only short-term solutions to their problems and after very few of them succeeded, more long-term, sustainable options were brought in in January. 

Alongside Nadir Giftci, Theo Blair, Tony Gallacher and several others in arriving at McDiarmid Park in January was Irish centre back Dan Cleary. The twenty five year old joined from Dundalk in the Irish Premier Division on a free transfer. 

Cleary is a heavily experienced pro who was in Liverpool’s academy for the majority of his youth career and at the age of twenty five, still has years of potential service left in him. 

In his eight St. Johnstone appearances, Cleary has taken up the right centre back role in Callum Davidson’s system. He has put in some well founded displays so far, helping his side to two clean sheets. The Irishman even got an assist at the Tony Macaroni Arena when his floated cross-ball met the head of Callum Hendry. 

It appears Dan Cleary has slotted seamlessly into the St. Johnstone defence since his arrival. Himself, Liam Gordon and Jamie McCart striking up a partnership could be crucial to St. Johnstone’s survival in the Premiership. 

St. Mirren - Alex Greive 

The only signing St. Mirren made in the January transfer that was permanent was Alex Greive. The striker joined from Birkenhead United in New Zealand. 

Greive doesn’t have many senior appearances to his name however you can’t fault his goal record. The twenty two year scored 25 and assisted 4 in his 33 appearances prior to moving to Scotland.

For St. Mirren so far, Greive has made 4 starts, scoring 2 goals. The striker has impressed Buddies fans with his determined displays up top in which he has been dogged yet stately.

With Eamonn Brophy set to miss at least a few weeks through injury along with Kristian Dennis’ departure, the job of leading St. Mirren’s line, at least in the short term, will be down to Alex Greive. So far, the New Zealander has shown all the credentials of being able to take this responsibility in his stride.  

In addition, the one-time capped New Zealand International offers a long term option in attack for the Paisley saints who could develop into an eminent number nine. 

That caps off this series. I hope you enjoyed it and if you agreed or disagreed with any of my picks, you can leave a comment below. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @Josh_Footblog for more Scottish football content. 

Thank you for reading!