Dunfermline Athletic have completed the signing of experienced defender Jim Paterson after his contract at Forfar expired.
Paterson, who began his career at Dundee United, has signed a deal at East End Park until the end of the season, with the lure of a coaching role as part of manager John Potter’s backroom team taking him back to full-time football.
A number of clubs were interested in taking the 35-year-old who also played with Motherwell, Plymouth, Aberdeen, Shamrock Rovers and Bristol Rovers on board, but the Pars have won the race to bolster their promotion push.
Potter said he hopes Paterson will be a good addition to his squad, and he hopes to add one or two others after freeing up some cash by letting the likes of Gozie Ugwu and Sorel Chemin go.
“Jim’s about the same age as me, I’ve done three or four coaching courses and I’ve played against him for years,” he commented.
“He’s had a great career, he’s been very consistent in his performances, and he’s a leader and a winner which I like.
“He’s experienced and can play anywhere I’ve seen him play left back, centre back, centre mid, left wing.
“So he’s very versatile and I like his way about him.”
Paterson played his last game for the Loons on Saturday – a 2-0 defeat at home to promotion rivals Brechin.