Portsmouth midfielder Simon Ferry has signed for Dundee FC.
The 26-year-old Dundee-born former Celtic player joined Pompey last summer, making 22 appearances and scoring one goal.
Dens manager Paul Hartley said: “I am extremely happy that we have signed Simon from Portsmouth. He is young and dynamic and has proved himself in England at a very decent level.
“He played the last year as a sitting midfielder but I see his strengths in attacking and going forward with the ball. I think the fans will really take to him and he is also a Dundee lad so he knows what this club means to the city.”
Ferry is known as something of a character. He became a cult hero at fomer club Swindon Town after collecting a League 2 winners medal in his pants, and was in the news again at Portsmouth when he gave an interview punctuated by hiccups.
CEO Scot Gardiner added: “We have said here and in the press that we are searching far and wide for quality players who will make us competitive in the top division and the capture of Simon from Portsmouth is another step forward in that search.
“He is a good age, fits into the plan and we believe his best years are ahead of him. The squad really is beginning to take shape and I’m sure the Dundee support will enjoy watching the team as it progresses next season.”
Ferry started his career at Celtic where he won both youth and reserve leagues before moving to Swindon in 2009, initially on loan.
While there he scored eight goals in 174 appearances, and played his part in one promotion and another play-off final.