Goalkeeper Paul Gallacher has signed up for a second stint at Dunfermline.
The former Scotland man has agreed a two-year deal with the East End Park club.
Manager Jim McIntyre is thrilled that he’s been able to fight off stiff competition to recruit one of the most consistent SPL performers of recent times but has insisted the 31-year-old is not guaranteed first-team football.
When Gallacher and last season’s number one, Chris Smith, arrive back for pre-season it will be a case of let battle commence.
McIntyre said, “I’m delighted to have got Paul.
“I know that he had a couple of other options (one of which was to stay with St Mirren) but we showed our interest a while ago.”
He added, “My first priority was always to get Chris re-signed, which we did, because I believe he’s got the potential to be a very good goalkeeper.
“But in the SPL he needs competition for his place and that’s exactly what Paul gives us.”‘Wealth of experience’McIntyre said, “Paul knows that he’s coming here to fight with Chris to get in the team.
It will be a clean slate at the start of pre-season and it will be up to them to get into the starting line-up.”
Having played with Gallacher at Tannadice and East End, McIntyre knows exactly what he’s getting.
He said, “Paul’s at a great age for a goalkeeper just now.
“He’s got a wealth of experience at the top level which we’ll benefit from.”
Gallacher has been first-choice keeper at Dundee United, Norwich and, for the last two years, St Mirren.
In his previous spell with the Pars he made 82 appearances.