BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
DUNFERMLINE have made their first new signing ahead of life in the Championship after agreeing a pre-contract with Inverness Caley Thistle midfielder Nat Wedderburn.
The 24-year-old joined Inverness last summer after two seasons with Cowdenbeath and made 18 appearances for John Hughes’ side, including a Europa League start last July and eight in the Premiership.
However, the former England under-19 internationalist, who began his career at Stoke City, was not offered a new contract in the Highlands and was free to move on.
A powerful midfielder, the versatile Wedderburn has also proved adept at playing in central defence and at full-back, and will add plenty of Championship experience to the East End Park squad after two seasons in the division with Cowdenbeath.
“I’m glad to get it done,” said Wedderburn, who has agreed a one-year deal with another year’s option. “You want to come and play for a manager that wants you to be there, so from there it was pretty easy, really.
“When you go from playing every game and then you go to Inverness and you don’t play, and then you’re in for a few games and then you’re out again, it’s difficult. You could say it was frustrating.
“I just want to play as much as possible and hopefully the team can keep progressing.
“I’ve heard a lot about the club. The people I’ve spoken to have told me how big the club is and where it should be and I want to be a part of it.
“I played in the Championship for two years and there are still some good teams in the league, so I’m sure it’s going to be an exciting season.
“Dunfermline ran away with the league in the end this season, so it’s a good team here and hopefully I can join and play my part and continue it on into next season.”
Meanwhile, in further good news for the Pars, goalkeeper David Hutton and midfielder Lewis Spence have both penned new 12-month deals with the club.
Ryan Wallace and Shaun Byrne have announced they are leaving Dunfermline, however.
The pair are out of contract at the end of this month but will not be staying on to play in the Championship next season.
