Jack Wilkie has joined Arbroath after leaving Dundee at the end of the season.
The 20-year-old defender is “buzzing” to join the Red Lichties, signing a two-year deal, as they take on League One under Jim McIntyre’s stewardship.
Wilkie made his Dark Blues debut in 2020 before earning a first start last July in Tony Docherty’s second match in charge.
The son of former Dee, United and Scotland defender Lee Wilkie then joined Edinburgh City on loan in League One for the first half of the campaign before leaving Dens Park at the end of the season.
A number of clubs in League One and League Two were keen to pick him up as a free agent.
Father Lee spoke about his son’s release and search for a new club in the latest instalment of the Twa Teams, One Street podcast.
However, it is Arbroath who won the race for Wilkie’s signature.
“It’s great to get Jack on board here at Gayfield,” manager McIntyre said.
“Defence was a target area for us and we’ve managed to secure a good quality, committed young player who has a very bright future for our club.
“Jack was approached by a number of other clubs, both part-time and full-time so his commitment to Arbroath really shows how highly regarded the club is and getting him on a two-year contract is fantastic.”
‘Buzzing’
The Red Lichties will get a left-sided defender who can play in the centre and at full-back.
Wilkie also captained Dundee’s reserve side and has plenty of experience in League One having turned out for Peterhead and Edinburgh City.
And the young defender is keen to get going, adding: “I’m buzzing to be joining a club like Arbroath with ambitions of getting the club back to where it should be.
“After having offers elsewhere, speaking to the manager I really liked his plan for me and how he sees me fitting in at the club and I’m just really looking forward to meeting the boys and getting started.”
Meanwhile, a different former Dee is now a former Lichtie.
Striker Leighton McIntosh has departed Arbroath after turning down the offer of a new contract.
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