Raith Rovers have sealed the capture of Josh Rae from St Johnstone.
The goalkeeper has penned a two-year contract with the Stark’s Park outfit in a swap deal for the want-away Sam Stanton.
St Johnstone had made Rae available for transfer at the end of last season but were eager to secure a fee.
And, with Raith mindful of Barry Robson’s summer budget, a swap for the disgruntled Stanton suited both parties.
Stanton declared last season he no longer wanted to play for Rovers and cited online abuse as being behind his decision.
Rae, meantime, enjoyed a successful loan spell in Kirkcaldy in the second half of the season and an agreement has now been struck.
The 24-year-old had an impressive 50 per cent shut-out ratio last term, keeping seven clean sheets in 14 league games.
And, with the ousted Kevin Dabrowski departing, Rae was Raith’s number one target to take over permanently between the sticks.
Raith delighted with Rae capture
A statement said: “Raith Rovers Football Club is thrilled to confirm that Josh Rae has returned to Stark’s Park, signing a two-year deal following a successful loan spell from St Johnstone last season.
“The 24-year-old goalkeeper made a big impression during his time in Kirkcaldy, keeping seven clean sheets in just 15 appearances and playing a key role in our ten matches unbeaten to end the season.
“As part of the deal, Sam Stanton has transferred permanently to St Johnstone.”
After going agonisingly close to securing a promotion play-off spot last term, Rae has instantly set his sights on helping Raith win promotion to the Premiership in the coming campaign.
“It feels brilliant,” he told Raith TV. “I loved every minute of the second half of last season.
“The boys in the dressing room made me feel so welcome and the fans as well, they were absolutely outstanding.
“So, I wanted to come back for more of it.
“Right from the start, it just felt like the right place to be – and that was the main factor in trying to get this done.
“Our aim this season is to get promoted and I want to be part of it and help the club get there.”
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