Former Motherwell and St Mirren midfielder Stuart Carswell has re-signed for Dumbarton with Sons boss Stephen Aitken now turning his attention to former Rangers defender Ross Perry and former Dunfermline midfielder Ryan Thomson.

Carswell joined Aitken's side in January 2017 from Icelandic football and has played in over 50 games.

Aitken is delighted that Carswell will be in his engine room for the new campaign.

"There were a number of clubs who were keen on Stuart and at least one made him a very strong offer to join them. However he wanted to stay here and we have managed to get a deal done,” said Aitken.

Perry, who also played for Raith, Northampton, Brechin, Clyde and Albion Rovers, has been training with Dumbarton and Aitken is hoping that the 28 year-old will sign the paperwork on a deal today with 27 year-old Thomson expected to follow suit.

Allan Johnston, meanwhile, has hailed Stevie Crawford’s experience after adding his former Scotland team-mate to the Dunfermline backroom team.

Crawford began work with the Pars yesterday as a short-term replacement for John Potter, who joined Jack Ross as first-team coach at Sunderland at the weekend.

Crawford, the former Dunfermline striker and Falkirk and Hearts assistant, was out of work after leaving his post as assistant manager at MK Dons when Robbie Neilson was sacked in January.

Johnston insists Crawford’s appointment is only temporary but it remains to be seen whether he would be considered as a permanent replacement for Potter at East End Park.

The Fifers boss said: “Stevie has come in, in the short-term, just while we look for a longer-term replacement.

“He knows the club, he’s a good lad, and I was actually in the under-21s with him many moons ago.

“He’s coached at a really good level and he brings that wee bit of experience. We’re really grateful that he’s willing to come in.”