BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
ALLAN Johnnston has expressed his delight at completing a hat-trick of key signings for Dunfermline’s assault on the Championship next season.
Winger Joe Cardle has penned a new two-year deal, whilst defenders Ben Richards-Everton and Jason Talbot have both agreed 12-month contract extensions.
After being faced with an entire first-team squad due to come out of contract this summer, the Pars have now managed to convince nine to commit their futures to the club for next term.
Johnston recently warned his players their contract offers would not remain in place indefinitely and revealed the likes of skipper Andy Geggan was attracting interest from Partick Thistle and top scorer Faissal El Bakhtaoui was also on the radar of Premiership clubs.
However, the East End Park boss is thrilled to have made in-roads in rebuilding following his team’s recent League One triumph.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to secure another three of our squad for next season. It has taken time but we are starting to get the core of the squad secured for next season.
“Obviously, the three signed have been big players for us. Jason, Ben and Joe have all played a major part in the success we have had this year and all want to go and do well again next year.
“So, we are delighted to get them on board as we start re-building for the Championship.”
