Transfer window round-up

It has been a busy transfer window at Central Park with Jimmy Nicholl adding four new faces to his squad as he prepares for the challenge of securing a second season of first division football for the Blue Brazil.

With the team failing to score in their last 5 games, Nicholl has focussed on adding to his attacking options with three strikers joining up. Lewis Coult (22), who made his debut against Morton, was the first to arrive from junior side Arniston Rangers for a nominal fee and has been joined by highly-rated 20-year old Archie Campbell on loan from Rangers, and former Scotland internationalist Stevie Crawford (37) from East Fife.

The manager was also keen to add more high level experience to the squad with 38-year old English midfielder Lee Makel joining Crawford at Central Park. Makel was a star performer in the SPL with Hearts and Livingston in the the late 1990s and early 2000s and joins the Blue Brazil after a two year spell as a player/coach with Swedish side Ostersunds FK.

“I’m pleased that I have been able to freshen up the squad but it is no reflection on the players already here", commented Nicholl.

"The squad has done fantastically well so far this season but we are going through a sticky spell and I thought it was important to add some additional quality to ease the pressure with a hectic schedule ahead. I'm hoping to sign one further player, who is a free agent, but a number of clubs are interested so we will just have to wait and see.

“It was particularly important to add some more experience to the ranks, some know how of the game at the highest level. Individuals like Crawford and Makel will give us that and will provide a calming influence that will help the younger players to flourish.

“We now have competition throughout the team and it will be up to everyone to step up to the mark and claim a place in the team."

The biggest name to depart Central Park was Brian Fairbairn. ‘Frankie’ played a significant role in the rise from the 3rd to the 1st Division but has found regular football more difficult to come by this season. It was mutually agreed to terminate his contract and ‘Frankie’ is expected to move to Malta and sign for premier league side Hibernians FC.

Summer recruits Mark Smith and Lee Sibanda have also been released following the expiry of their 6 month deals with Smith joining junior side Belshill Athetic. Several promising youngsters have joined junior clubs on loan as they continue their development.

“The downside is that some players have had to move on in order to balance the books"' added Nicholl.

"Frankie, Lee and Mark have done a good job for me this season but I could not guarantee them first team football. I’m sure they will do well elswhere and I thank them for their efforts.

“A number of our younger players will go out on loan to the juniors to help with their development. We have some cracking prospects coming through but they need first team experience, particularly with the reserve league cup pretty much at an end for the season."

In

Archie Campbell (Rangers) - Loan
Lewis Coult (Arniston Rangers) - Nominal fee
Stevie Crawford (East Fife) - Free agent
Lee Makel (Ostersunds FK)- Free agent

Out

Steven Bennett (Belshill Athletic) - Loan
Dean Brett (Tranent Juniors) - Loan
Brian Fairbairn - Released
Kyle Miller (Tranent Juniors) - Loan
Mark Smith (Bellshill Atlhletic) - Released
Lee Sibanda - Released