Published: Thursday, 21st May, 2009 10:45am

Pars boss 'delighted' to snap up Andy Dowie

by Graham Gibson

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THE Pars may have already snapped up Ross County centre - half Andy Dowie but fans have been warned not to expect a deluge of new, expensive signings.

Instead Dunfermline supporters will see like for like as the manager seeks to replace players released at the end of the season, with 26-year-old Dowie (right) seen as an ideal replacement for outgoing centre backs Scott Wilson and Scott Thomson.

He spent three seasons at Dingwall, winning the second division title in season 2007-08, and last year made 34 appearances for the Victoria Park outfit scoring twice and picking up two yellow cards.

Dowie will be looking forward to challenging at the top end of the first division table after suffering four relegations in four years between seasons 2003-04 and 2006-07 with Brechin City (on loan), Partick, Stranraer and Ross County.

Steady

Gaffer Jim McIntyre said, 'We are delighted to get a player in the door so early.

'We were short on centre backs and Andy played 34 games this season for Ross County.

'He is a steady centre-half with a good presence about him.'

It has been reported that Ross County manager Derek Adams was angry at losing Dowie after claiming the club helped resurrect his career by signing him from Stranraer.

Dowie, who signed a two-year-deal after passing a medical at Dunfermline Academy of Sport on Tuesday morning, has 12 under-21 caps to his name and made his debut for Rangers at just 18 years of age.

'At the end of the day we need to strengthen the centre back position with so many leaving.

'We will be looking to bring in another centre back as well to have competition for places,' added McIntyre.

Chairman John Yorkston said, 'We are going to have to build up the squad as there are certain areas that we are weak in.

Vacancies

'The manager has a budget to go with.

'We are not going to be signing players for £100,000.

'There are a number of players that have left and we have gone through the squad with the manager.

'It is up to him to go and fill the vacancies that are there.'