Dumbarton manager Stevie Aitken is looking to press on with his summer recruitment plans for next season, after tying up former Brechin City striker Robert Thomson.

22-year-old Thomson, who scored 15 goals in 35 appearances in League One last season for the Glebe Park men, has also previously been on the books of Dundee United and Dunfermline.

He also enjoyed a loan spell with Alloa Athletic from United back in 2012, scoring four times in 14 appearances.

Sons boss Aitken was delighted to get his man, believing he will add competition in the forward positions in what will be his side’s fourth-consecutive season in the Championship.

Aiken said: "We've been watching Robert for some time now and I'm delighted that he's agreed to join us at Dumbarton for the new campaign.

"Robert will give us options in the striking department. He's big, strong and athletic and I'm sure he'll do well for us.”

Aitken revealed that he is already well on the way to securing other signing targets, but called for patience from supporters with the league season not yet over for many clubs and players.

He recognises the need to strengthen his ranks, with Jon Routledge having already left the club, Tom Walsh and Kler Heh’s loan spells ending, and a host of key men still considering contract offers from the club to stay.

"We are working hard at getting other deals over the line and things are progressing well,” he said. “However, the season is still active for some clubs and we will be patient with our targets.

“The players will go away and think about their offers and I will touch base with them over the weekend.

"We are confident that they will want to re-sign, but we are also sure there will be other teams watching our players.

"As we've had a successful season, I'm sure other clubs will have been doing what we're doing and have players on the radar.

“We're not expecting anything to happen imminently, but we're optimistic.

"We have to be patient, but I am certain that come the start of the season we will have a strong squad."