KELTY HEARTS have continued their preparations for the upcoming season by securing a hat-trick of signings - and a contract extension.

Michael Tidser's work to shape his squad ahead of the upcoming campaign has continued with the new additions of Murray Miller and Robbie Cole, the return of Brody Paterson on a permanent basis, and extending Billy Owens' stay at the club.

In what has been a busy summer so far at New Central Park, the club recently announced the captures of Australia under-23 international Miller, and former Heart of Midlothian youth Cole.

Sydney-born Miller, 22, came through the academy set-up at Rangers and went on to have loan spells with Elgin City and Kelty's League One rivals, Alloa Athletic.

READ MORE: Kelty's SPFL League One fixtures revealed

During the 2022/23 season, he made 40 appearances in all competitions for the Wasps, scoring twice, before joining Stirling Albion last summer after leaving Ibrox.

Miller made 10 appearances for the Binos before joining League Two Stranraer on loan in February, and the midfielder has now been snapped up by Tidser.

He has been joined at New Central Park by Cole, 21, whose arrival was announced by the club on Sunday evening.

An attacking midfielder, the Tanzania-born attacking midfielder arrives from Lowland League outfit Civil Service Strollers, having joined them initially at under-20 level, and having made 26 appearances last season.

In addition, Kelty have secured left-sided full-back Paterson for the upcoming season, following a successful loan spell last term.

The 23-year-old, who started out as a youth player at Dunfermline Athletic before moving to Celtic, arrived from Hartlepool United on a temporary basis in January until the end of the season.

He went on to make 18 appearances for Tidser's side and, following the expiry of his contract at the English National League side, has agreed a deal for the upcoming campaign at New Central Park.

Kelty player/manager Tidser has also tied up defender Billy Owens on a new contract, extending his stay with the club into a second season.

Billy Owens has signed a new deal with Kelty Hearts.Billy Owens has signed a new deal with Kelty Hearts. (Image: David Wardle.)

Signed from Partick Thistle last July, the 21-year-old has proven to be a versatile member of the squad, making 32 appearances across all competitions.

The deals for Miller, Cole, Paterson and Owens follow on from the news that influential defender, Tam O'Ware, has agreed a deal with the club into next season, as well as the acquisitions of goalkeeper, Ryan Adamson, defender Callum Flatman, and attacking midfielder Luke McCarvel.

Meanwhile, three players have departed Kelty and signed for new clubs.

Versatile midfielder Stefan McCluskey, forward Botti Biabi, and goalkeeper Liam Campbell, have all left New Central Park.

McCluskey, who signed for the club last summer from Forfar Athletic, has moved to West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) Premier Division Cumnock Juniors, having made 38 appearances for Kelty, scoring twice.

Biabi, who returned to New Central Park for a second spell last summer, having won the League Two title with them in season 2021/22, has left to sign for another WoSFL Premier Division outfit, Drumchapel United, having scored four goals in 30 appearances last term, whilst goalkeeper Campbell, 19, has joined Lowland League Bo'ness United.