John McGlynn says Raith Rovers’ successful arbitration result was crucial to the capture of Reghan Tumilty.
The former Dundee United and Ross County defender has penned a two-year deal at Stark’s Park after spending the last two seasons with Morton.
It was a move that was agreed in principle earlier in the summer.
But McGlynn admits he was unwilling to finalise the signing until Rovers’ place in the Championship was confirmed.
He said: “We’ve been after Reghan for some time and it’s actually been agreed for a good wee while.
“But when I was saying to somebody ‘I’m bringing you here to play in the Championship’, I wanted to make sure that we were in the Championship.
“I didn’t want someone to be coming under false pretences.
“So, we had to wait until after the arbitration and the tribunal.
“Then, unfortunately, Reghan was away on holiday, so it’s taken a bit longer to announce the signing, albeit it was all done and dusted for a few weeks.
“I’m delighted to get it done and I think he’ll be a big asset for us.”
Tumilty made 10 appearances for County in the Premiership before leaving in 2018.
And McGlynn is convinced the 23-year-old should have his sights set on a return to the top flight.
He added: “I think we’re getting him at a great age where he can still go and kick on.
“If I was him I would be ambitious and wanting to play in the top league, and I think we can give him the platform to go and do that.
“He’s exactly what we’re looking for. He’s now gained a lot of experience, he’s a natural right-back and that’s going to give us a really, really good balance.
“He’s very quick, he’s determined, he’s a fit boy; he ticks all the boxes.”
