Former Rangers academy defender Kristian Webster has committed his future to Scottish League 2 side Dumbarton, signing a deal that will keep him at The Marbill Coaches Stadium for the remainder of the season as the club continue to build around emerging young talent.
The 20-year-old, released by Rangers in the summer, has already carved out an important role at Dumbarton.
Webster initially joined the Sons on loan last January and made an immediate impression with his composure, athleticism and versatility. Capable of operating at centre-half or right-back, he featured 16 times during that spell in League One and even chipped in with a goal, a notable contribution from a defender still adapting to senior football.
His grounding came earlier with Cumbernauld Colts in the Lowland League, where he earned the club’s Board and Committee Player of the Year award. That experience appears to have accelerated his transition into SPFL football, and since returning permanently in August, Webster has gone on to make 38 appearances in total for Dumbarton.
The club have now moved to secure that progress longer-term, and Sons manager Frank McKeown was clear about the thinking behind the decision.
“Kristian is a player we rate very highly at the club. He can play a number of positions and is reliable in them all.
“He is a young man with a bright future ahead of him and, although there were other options for Kristian, he showed a real desire to remain at the club and work with us again.”
McKeown also highlighted how Webster fits the broader squad profile he is trying to shape.
“Ensuring we have some excellent young talent at the club, mixed with some experience, is something I am keen to build. It also aligns nicely with the values of our club, and with Kristian living locally, it was a no brainer for all parties to extend his contract and continue his development.
“I’ve no doubt if Kristian continues to work hard and apply the same attitude he has done so far for the club then he will have a great career in the game.”
There is also a strong football lineage behind the defender. Webster is the son of former Scotland international Andy Webster, who had spells with Rangers and Hearts during his career. That pedigree is reflected in the younger Webster’s defensive awareness and maturity on the pitch.