SCOTLAND: SPL TRANSFER ROUND-UP

Another week and more new faces join SPL clubs, Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock and Motherwell feature in this round-up.

Newly promoted Thistle has added two new signings to their squad one youngster and one seasoned pro. Mark Kerr (pictured above) a man of many clubs including; Falkirk, Dundee United, Aberdeen, Dundee and Asteras Tripoli to name a few, has managed to bag himself a one-year deal with the Firhill club after impressing and scoring a goal in the recent friendly victory over Dumbarton. At thirty-one he will add a wealth of experience to the side to help them remain in the division at the 1st attempt. He told the club’s website: “I’ve been here for nearly four weeks now so it will be good to get playing as an actual Partick Thistle player. I can now play at 100% because you do tend to hold back a little. Well you saw how the last 15 minutes of the Livingston game went with some nasty tackles flying about and you could easily pick up an injury.

“I do have that experience and hopefully I can start the season well and we can do well together. That’s the way it goes; if I’m not playing well then I won’t be in the team and I’ll not be able to bring my experience to the team.”

Also joining The Jags is Liverpool youngster Henoc Mukendi the striker has joined on a six-month loan deal, Mukendi spent last season on loan to Northampton Town where he scored his first senior goal in a 2-1 victory over Colchester in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy he appeared thirteen times for the cobblers, the young Congolese can also be used wide on the left which will help manager Alan Archibald with the new season on the horizon.

Motherwell have re-signed James McFadden for a third time after impressing on a short-term deal at the back-end of last season, this will be a popular move bringing the fans hero back to the club.

Speaking to MFC TV about his decision, McFadden said: “I am really pleased to have it all sorted. When the manager asked me to go to Spain, I made up my mind then that I was going to come back and I am really looking forward to the season ahead. My relationship with the supporters and how they are with me certainly played a part in my decision.

“It’s familiar surroundings; obviously I really enjoyed it last season, I hope the fans will be happy and I am happy to get it all done.”

The club’s chief executive Leeann Dempster told Motherwell’s official website: “Obviously we are thrilled and delighted to have James on board again. He is an iconic figure amongst our supporters and made a significant contribution at a vital time last season. The board have been very pleased with how the summer recruitment plan has gone thus far and are still hopeful of adding some more new faces in the near future.

Kilmarnock manager Allan Johnston has added experienced defender Darren Barr to his squad, Kilmarnock swooped in to take advantage of the on-going financial mess at Tynecastle. Barr who spent his youth at Falkirk before moving to Hearts in 2010 will be remembered fondly by the Gorgie faithful as he notched one of the five goals in the Scottish Cup Final victory over bitter rivals Hibs. Johnstone says his experience will help the young players at the club talking to STV, Johnstone said: “It is an exciting signing for us. He’s got loads of experience and that’s just what we need to balance with the youth we have at the club.

“I am sure the addition of Darren will help them come along and mature as players. His experience in SPL will be invaluable. Hearts’ loss is very much our gain.

“I intend to use him at centre back this season, although we are aware he is quite versatile. He could play as a defensive midfielder but my aim is to use him as a defender.”