Dundee boss Paul Hartley has said the club’s triple signing has sent out a statement of intent to the rest of the Premiership.
As widely expected, former Hibs players midfielder Kevin Thomson and defender James McPake, who are both 29, along with 22-year-old ex-Alloa goalie Scott Bain have joined the Dark Blues, with the outfield players signing two-year deals and the keeper a three-year one.
Thomson, who has also played for Scotland, Rangers and Middlesbrough, will inherit Gavin Rae’s captain’s armband next season.
Hartley could not hide his joy at having captured three players with such a combination of experience and potential.
The manager said: “I’m delighted with the three signings. It shows we’re trying to move the club forward. I’ve brought in two very good experienced players and an outstanding young goalkeeper.
“I know Scott pretty well. I worked with him over the last couple of years (at Alloa). I saw his potential and this is a great opportunity for him to get back full-time.”
“This is what he’s been looking for and I thank Alloa for their help in getting Scott here. I’m looking forward to working with him.
“We’ve now got two good keepers who will push each other along. So the hard work starts now.
He added: “I think with Thommo, he’s a leader with great experience. He’s a player that I know well.
“He’s a top player and he’ll bring in the kind of experience we’ll need in terms of how we want to progress the club.
“Also, he’ll be the new club captain which is fantastic. I know in Kevin I’m getting a good player. He’s someone who’s played at the highest level and a top professional.
“The younger players will look up to him which is important. As soon as I spoke to him, I could see the excitement in his face.
“I think he just wanted a fresh challenge. After what happened to him the last few months (frozen out at Hibs), I think he just wanted to get back playing.
“He is a top player and a guy who will want to take the ball for us. When I spoke to James, he was really excited.
“You could see he wanted to be here and that’s the big thing for me. I only want players who want to be here. It’s a key factor.
“We’re working on bringing in some more new guys who have quality. This is just the start. It won’t stop. Hopefully the signings today sent out a statement.”
Hartley admitted that the triple capture was a result of a lot of hard work behind the scenes. And he hopes the new arrivals will be just the first of many.
He said: “We’ve been working hard. It shows we’re trying to build a team here. We have to get a team which can compete in the league. We’re new into it and we do need a few new faces.
“I think the two experienced guys will definitely help us. They have been there and done it. It’s a good challenge for them and hopefully we can attract quality players.”
While Hartley has boosted his squad, he is still on the hunt for a new right-hand man with former assistant Ray Farningham set to take up a youth role at the club.
The manager added: “We’re working behind the scenes. We’ve got a few people in mind who we’ve been talking to. I’m sure something will be sorted in the next week or so.
“As for the boys who are soon out of contract, we’re also working on that.”