Dundee boss Barry Smith has signed Mark Fotheringham until the end of the season in what will be the midfielder’s second spell at the club and the player admits it feels like he has never been away.
Fotheringham, who began his career with Celtic, starred for the Dark Blues between 2003-05 before moving to Germany, Cyprus and then England.
He most recently turned out for Livingston in Division One ironically being sent off for the Lions against Dundee in January.
The 28-year-old had been set for a move to Swindon a fortnight ago but the deal fell through. Now the player, who was given training facilities at St Johnstone last week, is just delighted to be back at Dens.
He said: ”I’m buzzing at the prospect. It’s like I’ve never been away as I know so many people around the club and there’s a real family atmosphere as soon as you walk through the door.
”I played in a bounce game against Aberdeen on Tuesday and it was just great to pull that Dark Blue jersey over my head again and get out on to the pitch.
”This is the most excited I’ve felt in a long while so I want to repay Barry Smith and the fans between now and the end of the season. I’m maybe a little bit short of match fitness right now but rest assured I’ll be sweating it out to get back to those levels.
”Dundee are a club who should be in the SPL and I just want to help them finish the season on as much of a high as possible.”
Fotheringham has also skippered Norwich in the Championship and Smith believes he will add much-needed experience to his squad.
The Dens Park boss said: ”I’m delighted Mark has agreed to sign. He’s a player who knows the club and the fans, so I am sure they’ll take to him.
”He has played at a very good level so will be a useful addition to the side. He brings a wealth of experience to the team as well as plenty of skill and hopefully he can help up kick on and keep on picking up wins.”
Smith is still trying to tie up former Falkirk and Hibs midfielder Kevin McBride after he impressed in the last two games playing as a trialist.
Smith also ran the rule over an Arsenal youngster during Tuesday’s bounce match against Aberdeen.
He added: ”We have had a player from Arsenal up training with us. He is one for the future so we will keep an eye on him over the next couple of months.”