Watson staying with Rovers

RAITH ROVERS boss Grant Murray has persuaded Paul Watson to put pen to paper on a new deal with the club, writes Neil Robertson.

The 23-year-old central defender, who joined the Kirkcaldy outf it from Livingston last summer, has agreed to sign a new yearlong contract.

Watson was a key component last season for Raith with Murray admitting he was a big loss when he was out for almost four months with a broken foot.

He joins skipper Jason Thomson, striker Calum Elliot, and midf ielders Kevin Moon, Liam Fox and Ross Callachan in committing to Rovers, along with newcomer Craig Barr, for a daunting Championship campaign that will feature games against the likes of Rangers, Hearts and Hibs.

Murray said: “I am delighted to get things sorted with Paul. He had a good season here and we are looking for him to build on that.

“I am in discussions with a number of other players and will hopefully have more to report soon.”

The Watson news is a much- needed boost for Raith who last week discovered that star men John Baird and Joe Cardle had signed pre-contracts with Queen of the South and Ross County respectively.

Scottish Cup winners St Johnstone have re-signed 20- year- old midf ielder Liam Caddis on a one-year contract extension.

Elgin City have been left reeling after former Dundee goalkeeper John Gibson had a change of heart and opted to joinAirdrie despite shaking hands on a two-year deal at Borough Briggs.

The former Dens shotstopper had moved north for a second loan spell with the Moray men in March and then agreed to sign on permanently after his release from the Dark Blues.

Manager Barry Wilson said: “It is very disappointing that things have turned out this way.

“We brought him up here on loan and talked then about him staying if he was let go from Dundee.

“When that happened we shook hands on a two-year contract. That contract was sent down to him and we were waiting on it coming back up.

“However, between agreeing things with us and signing the paperwork, he has had a phone call from another club and decided that, rather than stick to his agreement, he would go elsewhere.”

East Fife’s relegation to League Two has cost them the services of Clyde striker Stef McCluskey.

The Fifers had been keen to bring the 23-year-old former Shotts Bon Accord man on board and talks had taken place. However, McCluskey is keen to play at a higher level and that has opened the door on a potential move to StirlingAlbion.

The Forthbank men beat Gary Naysmith’s side in the play-off final and boss Greig McDonald is believed to be keen to bring in McCluskey.

Arbroath last night announced that Paul McManus has signed a new one year contract.

SNS Group. Paul Watson.