BY ALAN TEMPLE – Capital City Press
Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston has completed a double signing after fans’ favourite Joe Cardle and goalkeeper Sean Murdoch agreed returns to East End Park
Cardle, 28, made 138 appearances for the Pars during his four year stint with the club and was a pivotal player in their promotion to the top flight in 2011.
He was a free agent following his release by Ross County in the close season and scored for the Fifers in a recent friendly draw against Berwick Rangers.
And the tricky winger, who has also had spells with Airdrie, Clyde, Port Vale and Raith Rovers, has agreed a permanent deal with the League One promotion favourites.
Former Hamilton goalkeeper Murdoch, who was on Dunfermline’s books between 2005 and 2008, joined Rochester Rhinos in the United States last summer following his release by Hibs but was keen to secure a return to Scottish football.
He will provide competition between the sticks for David Hutton, who arrived at the club earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Johnston is also running the rule over free agents Iain Davidson and JJ Hooper.
Experienced Davidson recently featured in the PFA Scotland Showcase fixture and is understood to have no shortage of suitors, however Dunfermline appear to be in pole position to snap up the ex-Raith Rovers man.
And JJ Hooper was recently on trial with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, albeit the Highlanders’ interest in the player cooled when they signed Spaniard Dani Lopez. The former Newcastle youngster scored 20 goals for Havant and Waterloovile last season.
Both players featured in the Pars’ 5-2 win over Queen’s Park at Lesser Hampden on Wednesday – with Hooper finding the net – and have trained with the club all week.
They could be given a further chance to win a contract with the Fifers this afternoon when Johnston’s men host Hibernian.
