DUNDEE NEW boy Eric Paton has revealed how he was determined not to make the same mistake twice when it came to securing his future, writes Ian Roache.

Having turned down the chance of a move from Queen of the South to Dens last year, the 29-year-old was delighted to get a second chance.

“Dundee tried to sign me a year ago but at that time our daughter Alex had just been born,” said Paton, who agreed a one-year deal along with Craig McKeown this week.

“So we made a family decision to stay put for another year.

“I made my decision, but, to be honest, as soon as the pen hit the paper I felt I had made the wrong one.

“So when Dundee came in again in January I was glad to hear from them.

“I was disappointed that I didn’t get the chance to make the move there and then and instead had to wait until the end of the season.

“I spoke to (Queens boss) Gordon Chisholm and told him I wanted to leave in January and that Dundee were interested in taking me. But he said ‘no way’.

“I was at him six or seven times urging him to let me go, free up my wage and part on good terms.

“I had a pre-contract offer. I told him he was going to lose me in a few months’ time anyway. But it didn’t happen and it was frustrating.

“It was nice to see Dundee come back for me and flattering that Alex Rae still wanted me.

“This club should be in the Premier League and now my job is to help make sure we get to the SPL.

“The squad has depth and the gaffer is still talking about bringing in another two or three players.”