Forfar boss Dick Campbell has expressed his delight after signing centre-half Tom O’Brien from Cowdenbeath.
The 23-year-old defender had been with the Blue Brazil since his school days but will now link up at Station Park with another newcomer midfielder Bryan Hodge, who signed a pre-contract while at Stenhousemuir in January.
O’Brien will help fill the gap left by veteran Stuart Malcolm who has agreed to take on a player/coach role with Stenny.
And Campbell revealed he has also conducted a lot of other business in preparation for next season.
He said: “I have re-signed a whole host of players including Mark Baxter, Martyn Fotheringham, Michael Travis, James Dale, Chris Templeman, Michael Dunlop and Gavin Malin.
“I am delighted to have snapped up Bryan Hodge, who signed a pre-contract in January, from Stenhousemuir.
“And we have also managed to bring in Tom O’Brien from Cowdenbeath.
“That is a massive signing for us as he has been at Central Park for 10 years and we have done well to attract him to the club on a two-year deal.
“I have been working on this for a while and I am really pleased to have got it over the finishing line.
“Of course, I already have other lads under contract such as Gavin Swankie and Darren Young as well as the five young boys who will be in the squad next season including Michael Kennedy who did so well for us in the play-off games.
“I was also absolutely delighted that Rab Douglas will be back next season. He has been magnificent for me and he could easily play until he is 50.
“However, there are a few I am still waiting to hear back from including Dale Hilson, Stephen Husband and Darren Dods.
“There has been a bit of interest in Darren from other clubs regarding player/manager roles and he has told me he will let me know within the next fortnight whether he is staying or not.
“I have offered Yano (Iain Campbell) a contract but he is also still to make up his mind.
“Stuart Malcolm has left the club to take up a player/coaching role at Stenhousemuir which is right on his doorstep.
“Malky is away with our blessing for the future.”