Stenhousemuir Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of defender Sam Young on a one-year contract.
The 20-year-old centre-back becomes Marvin Bartley’s first signing since taking charge at Ochilview and joins the Warriors following the expiry of his contract with Dunfermline Athletic.
A product of the Pars academy, Young progressed through the youth ranks at East End Park before making 15 first-team appearances for the William Hill Championship side.
During his time at Dunfermline, the defender gained valuable senior experience through loan spells with Cowdenbeath, East Stirlingshire, Gala Fairydean Rovers, Tranent and East Kilbride, with his most recent spell seeing him help East Kilbride secure the William Hill League Two title during the 2025/26 season.
Despite being just 20 years old, Young arrives at Ochilview with 80 senior appearances to his name across the SPFL and Lowland League, alongside four goals and four assists.
Manager Marvin Bartley said: “Sam has been a player I’ve been aware of for the last couple of years, ever since he made his breakthrough in a 2024/25 season for Dunfermline and playing a few games the Championship.
“He then got an injury at the start of the next season before going on loan to Tranent for a period of time and then going to East Kilbride on loan in the January window. So he’s played a fair amount of football for a man of his age.
“We spoke to him about where we could see him improving, where he fitted in in terms of coming into our squad and the project that we have now going on at Stenhousemuir, and he fits perfectly into that.
“He’s got previous experience and he understands that demands will put on him as well if he wants to be a regular in the first team here and earn his stripes. He’s going into a squad that’s been successful for the last couple of years, and ultimately players who want to keep their shirt as well.
“A special shout out to his agent as well Elliot Fillingham, who’s been extremely instrumental in making this one happen, and having an agent like him believing in our projects and sending one of his young players to us, speaks well for the future.
“Sam is the first of a few that will be coming through the door.”
Director of Football Martin Christie said: “It’s great to get Sam over the line as our first new signing for the 26/27 season.
“Sam is one that we have been monitoring for a long time, through his time at Dunfermline and his loan spells at Tranent and East Kilbride.
“Only 20, Sam is a great age to come in and grow with Marvin’s coaching and he has all the attributes required to be a top centre-back at this level.
“We fought off some stiff competition to get Sam and are delighted he sees his future at Stenhousemuir.”
Speaking after signing for the Warriors, Sam Young said: “I’m delighted to join Stenhousemuir. I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and helping the team achieve success this season.”
Everyone at Stenhousemuir Football Club would like to welcome Sam to Ochilview and wish him every success during his time with the Warriors.
An exclusive first interview with Sam Young will be available on WarriorsTV’s YouTube channel later today.
