Gavin Rae hailed his return to Dens Park as “extra special” after choosing Dundee ahead of more lucrative English alternatives.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who has been out of contract since leaving Cardiff City in the summer, will today join the Dark Blues on a short-term deal until January.
Rae will be back on familiar ground, having started his career with the club in 1996 and playing over 200 games before departing for Rangers.
The Scotland internationalist then moved on to enjoy success in the Welsh capital but was not given a new deal by incoming boss Malky McKay in the close season.
Dens manager Barry Smith, who partnered Rae in midfield during that previous spell at Dundee, has kept in touch with Rae and it did not take much to persuade him to come back.
“I can’t wait to get back playing again because it has been a long time since I was last involved on a Saturday,” said Rae.
“The fact that it is with Dundee is extra special for me. I could have gone to a few clubs in League One or League Two in England but it all started for me at Dundee so I wanted to come back to Dens.
“Working with Barry is a big thing, too, because I have always kept in touch with him and we get on really well.
“There are also a lot of guys who were there with me the first time around so it will be good to team up with them again.
“So it is not about money and I am not interested in that because I just want to get playing again. And if I can help the club out at the same time then that’s great.
“I always look out for Dundee’s results so I know the league is tight but I am sure we have the quality to start moving up the table again.
“I have signed until January so we will see what happens beyond that.”
Rae’s return is a terrific boost for the Dens men on this the anniversary of their plunge into administration and fans will hope it will provide fresh impetus to the season.
The player, who has been training with Cardiff’s youth side, considers himself to be fit and is in line to face Ross County tomorrow.’Spirits up, working hard'”It has been difficult being out of the game because ever since I left school to join Dundee I have been involved in football,” added Rae. “It has been a bit strange but I have kept my spirits up and have been working hard.
“I stayed at Cardiff to train with the boys but when the numbers got too big I went to the academy with the young lads.
“So my general fitness is good. I will maybe need a few games to get up to match fitness but that will come. If Barry needs me on Saturday I will be ready to play.”
Smith is thrilled to have his man and believes the Dundee fans will be excited too.
“It is not often you get players of his quality without a club so it speaks volumes about him and his feelings for Dundee that he wants to come here,” said Smith.
“It’s not about money for him because he just wants to get back playing again. The fans loved him during his first spell at the club so I am sure they will be glad to see him back.
“He has been training with Cardiff so has done the work. He is a naturally fit guy anyway so he should play some part against Ross County.”
Smith hopes that Rae will not be the final arrival at the club this month and is trying to fix up a striker.