CONTINUITY and knowledge of the coaching team's philosophies were key factor's in Brody Paterson's decision to sign permanently for Kelty Hearts.

And the 23-year-old is hopeful that they can progress from last term and make a push for the League One promotion places this time around.

The Kirkcaldy-born full-back and former Celtic youth penned a one-year deal at New Central Park in the summer, after his time with Hartlepool United came to an end.

Paterson signed for Pools in 2022, then bossed by current Cove Rangers gaffer, Paul Hartley, on a two-year deal and made 29 appearances for them as they slid from EFL (English Football League) League Two into the National League.

He had a loan stint with Cove, having previously gone out on temporary spells to Queen's Park and Airdrieonians during his time with Celtic, whilst at Hartlepool, before joining Kelty in January until the end of last term.

Despite interest from other League One clubs, Paterson re-joined Michael Tidser's side in June, and has been an ever-present so far this season.

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"I thoroughly enjoyed my time here last season and it didn't really take me long to decide to come back here, so I'm hoping this year's much like last year, and another successful season," he told Times Sport during pre-season.

"Sometimes it's better the devil you know. I made the decision to go part-time, so I signed a one-year deal, see how part-time goes this season, and then review things in the summer.

"A lot of players that are full-time see going part-time as like a decision that's irreversible, that you go there, and that's you, part-time forever. I'm thoroughly enjoying part-time just now and, if I was to go part-time, it was only really going to be going to Kelty.

"I had other interest in League One but, like I said, sometimes it's better the devil you know. I'm still young and I've been at quite a few clubs, on loan, so having a bit of continuity is sometimes better, and was what I was needing in the summer.

"It's the first time in my career that I've ended a season at a club, and then gone back for pre-season at that same club. I've always either been out on loan the second half of the season, or changed clubs in the summer, so I've never had that coming back to pre-season with the same group.

"It was a big change for me and it was actually refreshing. It was nice coming into the changing room and knowing all the lads, instead of a new changing room, everyone's new, and you have to build that bond with everyone.

"Those bonds were already there, so it was refreshing come back to it."

Paterson was pleased to return to working with Tidser and his number two, Kevin McDonald, adding: "It was a big factor, knowing how everything works, knowing the training, the gaffer's philosophies, Geordie's philosophies, and how they are as people and coaches.

"It made the decision quite easy.

"The gaffer's done really well in keeping the core of the squad together, and building on top of that is the next step.

"Hopefully we can just keep building on that and moving up year on year, and push for those promotion play-offs again. I think it would be brilliant for the club."