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Photo Credit: Ross County
Paton Pounces On CPL: Midfielder Signs With Forge
By Canadian Premier League side Forge FC is making big moves on the eve of the club’s continental tilt against Liga MX giant CF Monterrey.
The Hamilton, Ontario-based side has confirmed the signing of Canadian midfielder Ben Paton, who brings with him a wealth of experience from the Scottish Premier League after a year of free agency that we thought would tip him for a CPL move.
Patton previously plied his trade with Scottish top flight side Ross County, tallying twenty-two appearances for the side before a long-term cruciate ligament injury suffered in January 2023 led to a prolonged spell on the sidelines, with Paton departing a year later after his contract expired.
Still, he’s a high-ceiling signing who comes in need of game time, with Forge keen to capitalize on the midfield talent.
Paton was born in Kitchener but developed through the Blackburn Rovers academy system, later joining his older brother Harry with The Staggies in 2021. Ross County has seen mixed success with the likes of Victor Loturi and William Akio, so where Patton’s level lies in comparison with Canada’s top flight will be interesting to follow.
He had also played for Canada at the U-23 back in 2016, but never cracked though for the senior side.
“Ben’s versatility and international experience make him a valuable asset to our squad,” says Forge head coach Bobby Smyrniotis. “We’re excited to integrate him into our system and look forward to his contributions on the field.”
It’s been a busy day for the hammers, who secured the return of top Canadian Premier League midfielder Alessandro Hojabrpour earlier today and also confirmed that Guelph’s own Keito Lipovschek, 19, had also joined the side ahead of tomorrow’s match.
“Keito is a young talent with significant potential,” says Smyrniotis. “His experiences in different footballing environments have shaped him into a versatile midfielder. We believe he has the qualities to make a substantial impact at our club.”
The club has also given development contracts to Emmanuel Marmelejo and Zayne Bruno, with short-term deals being penned for Amadou Kone (whom they retained the U SPORTS rights for), Sigma FC’s Hoce Massunda, and second round draft pick Maxime Filion.
The full length or contractual terms of Patton’s contract with Forge was not disclosed by the club.
Forge will kick off against CF Monterrey tomorrow at 8:00PM EST.
Head Image Photo Courtesy: Ross County
