THE Pars might still be looking to make new signings on the pitch but they've completed a major one off it.

And they hope that it can help encourage men who find it tough to speak about any problems they may face to come forward.

The football club have teamed up with The Samaritans as their new charity partner ahead of the new league season and Michael Mlotkiewicz, general manager, said: "As a club we are committed to doing all we can to help charities and worthy causes, particularly in our home town. The values of Samaritans of Dunfermline were made very clear during my initial meetings with Gerard Lafferty (director, Samaritans of Dunfermline) to which in most cases are the same values held at Dunfermline Athletic.

"After finding out how much time the volunteers dedicate to supporting those people that need it and hear about the thousands of people Samaritans have supported and had a positive effect on their lives, we were extremely keen for them to become our new charity partner."

Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 50 and the charity are hoping that their association with Athletic will encourage men who find it difficult to talk about their problems to come forward.

Gerard added: "Samaritans of Dunfermline are proud to be associated with Dunfermline Athletic Football Club as one of the club’s preferred charities. Both organisations recognise the importance of the wellbeing of the local community, and we look forward to working closely together in fund raising and awareness activities designed to benefit both the aims of Samaritans of Dunfermline, and the continued success of the Pars, and within the whole community."

The Samaritans will have a presence at Sunday's open day day at the Glen Pavillion, and the club will also have an awareness day for a fixture during the season.