James McGarry clause triggered by Aberdeen as Nick Montgomery reveals big Dons sell to latest recruit

Aberdeen have triggered James McGarry’s buy-out clause to sign him from Central Coast Mariners.

The Dons made the New Zealand cap, below, their ninth arrival of the summer with the left-back penning a three-year deal on a move from the A-League champs. Mariners gaffer Nick Montgomery told Record Sport: “Aberdeen triggered a buy-out clause to sign James so it was hard for us to keep him. I first heard about Aberdeen’s interest a couple of weeks ago when his agent contacted us after the A-League Grand Final.

“He had strong interest from other European clubs. I spoke to James about Aberdeen and told him it was a fantastic opportunity. I used to spend a lot of time in Aberdeen with my uncle when I was younger, I know what a good place and club it is. It’s the perfect time for him in his career and the Premiership is a good league.”

The 25-year-old agreed his Dons deal last week but the move was put on hold because his wife was expecting their first child. Their baby boy arrived earlier this week and McGarry will fly to Scotland over the weekend. Montgomery said: “His wife was about two weeks overdue. He was desperate for him to say ‘hi’ and then ‘bye’ and get on a flight to Scotland. He had agreed to the move and done his medical and was just waiting for his wife to give birth.”

McGarry will get the chance to play European football with the Dons - either in the Europa League or Europa Conference League and that was a key selling point for the new boy. He said: “When I heard there was interest from Aberdeen, I knew it was something I wanted to explore. The manager explained what he is trying to build here and it was something I was excited to be part of. I want to challenge myself at the highest level and the opportunity to