Coming and Going at EEP

Jim McIntyre expects to sign a central defender on Friday but another player leaves.

Stephen Glass thinks twice about going into challenge with Kevin Rutkiewicz
in an encounter at East End Park in 2008

Manager Jim McIntyre will sign St Johnstone central defender Kevin Rutkiewicz on Friday. The 30 year old who has trained with the Pars this week has been with the Perth club since 2004 but because of the number of defenders available to Derek McInnes means that he has not been an automatic choice there.

Jim McIntyre was delighted to secure the former Aberdeen defender on loan until the end of the season:-

"He is a right sided central defender who is aggressive and a leader. He will compliment our squad; he is a great talker and knows what it takes to win the First Division."

Kevin joined Aberdeen in March 1998 from Larkhall Thistle and spent six seasons at Pittodrie before becoming John Connolly's first signing for the Saints in the summer of 2004.

Dunfermline Athletic would also like to announce the sad news that Jack Ross has been forced to retire from football. The Manager explained:-

"Unfortunately Jack did not get over the knee injury he sustained and upon medical advice has been advised to retire. He is a tremendous professional and Jack is absolutely gutted that he never had an opportunity to make an impact for us."

Jack Ross and Greg Paterson while they were both sidelined

Jack Ross (34) had a knee operation in 2005 but arrived at Dunfermline after playing 170 games for Falkirk and St Mirren with no reaction. The Manager added "It was one of those freak injuries that happen in football."

Further news is that Macca is taking the opportunity to take a longer look at midfielder Martin Hardie who has also been training with Dunfermline. The player has impressed in training and will now be included in a closed doors game against Hearts next Tuesday.