Fifth New Signing

New face on the plane to Murcia. 27 year old Welshman joins on 18 month contract.

Another new signing joined Stephen Kenny's party at Newcastle Airport as they prepared to fly off for four days training at La Manga in Spain. Jamie Harris is Welsh but has spent the last three seasons at Shelbourne. Born in Swansea on 28th June 1979, the 6' 4" central defender started his football life as a centre forward with Swansea City.

He made his Swansea debut at the age of 18 but only played seven matches for the Welsh side, all from the bench, before crossing the Irish Sea to play for Bohemians. He then went to St Patricks Athletic prior to joining Shels in August 2003.

Manager Stephen Kenny said:-

"He is a big lad, a commanding player who plays mainly at centre back. He was spent five years in Ireland initially as a centre forward and is very comfortable in possession. At 27 he is a good age for a centre back and I am happy to get him on a free transfer.

"We have defenders only one or two yellow cards away from suspension, Souleymane Bamba has a groin injury and with Jim Hamilton's knee problem Jamie will give us another option. I have never managed him before but look forward to getting him match fit in a couple of weeks. The trip to La Manga will help him integrate into the team and get to know his new team mates."

Jamie had sounded out his former team mates Sean Dillon (now Dundee United) and Bobby Ryan when the suggestion had been made that he might come to Dunfermline. He said:-

"They recommended the move and as soon as Stephen Kenny rang I knew I was interested. It has been an ambition of mine to play in this league."

The Welshman has played in Welsh football with Merthyr Tydfil whilst on loan from Swansea and it was the Manager at the Martyrs who tipped off Bohemians. After a closed doors match he was offered a contract at Bohemians but his success came at Shelbourne where they won the league title 3 seasons out of the last four.

When he returned from holiday he was shocked to find that only eight or nine professionals left at Tolka Park. Jamie's departure from Tolka Park, coupled with Richie Baker and Dave Rogers leaving for Drogheda and Derry City, leaves Shels with only two of the squad that won the Eircom League title just two months ago.

Jamie flew into Edinburgh Airport from Dublin late on Saturday night and will be sharing the same Dunfermline hotel as his former Shels team mate Bobby Ryan. He added:-

"I know the club's league position and know that we have to play teams in a similar position two times yet. I feel there is all to play for, it has all happened so quickly but I jumped at the chance and I am looking forward to getting going."

A contract has been agreed to keep Jamie at East End Park until the end of the 2007-08 season during which time he and his girlfriend intend to move home from Malahide on the outskirts of Dublin to Dunfermline.