ATHLETIC’S second new arrival of the week has said he has come “full circle” after agreeing to join his boyhood heroes.

Chris Hamilton, who spent last season on loan with Arbroath, has agreed a long-term deal – which Press Sport understands is for three years – to seal a move to East End.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who has left Heart of Midlothian after his contract expired at Tynecastle, has become new manager James McPake’s second signing since taking over from John Hughes, following in the footsteps of former Raith Rovers captain Kyle Benedictus, who joined on Monday.

A former season ticket-holder at East End, Hamilton began his footballing journey with the Pars Foundation – the charity that operates community programmes on behalf of the football club – at the age of four, attending their Mini-Kickers classes.

After playing youth football with Crossgates, Hamilton was snapped up by Hearts in 2009, and went on to make his top-team debut four years ago in an away match with Kilmarnock at the age of just 16.

Hamilton, who has represented Scotland at under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 level, enjoyed spells on loan with Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath, Dumbarton and Stirling Albion before joining Dick Campbell’s Lichties last term.

He made 29 league appearances, all but one of which were starts, as the unfancied Gayfield side took the Championship title race to the penultimate day of the season, losing out to Kilmarnock, before falling in the Premiership play-offs to Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the semi-final stage.

His impact on the Angus coast was such that he was voted by Arbroath’s fans as their Young Player of the Year, but he will now attempt to help the team he supports back up to the second tier at the first time of asking.

Speaking to the club’s website, Hamilton said: “I’m delighted to join Dunfermline Athletic Football Club!

“My earliest footballing memories actually started with the Pars, training with the Pars Foundation as part of their pre-school Mini Kickers programme. It almost feels like a full circle coming back to the club I supported as a child.

“To say I’m buzzing is an understatement, my family are still massive Pars fans and I can’t wait to pull on the black and white stripes, get changed in the home dressing room and walk out that tunnel onto the pitch this coming season.”

McPake was delighted to secure Hamilton’s signature and commented: “He’s a player I’ve been aware of for a while.

“In particular, he had a fantastic season at Arbroath last year. For a 20-year-old, he’s played a lot of first-team football and has a lot of potential to develop even further.

“He’s also a huge Dunfermline fan and I feel that’s important, having local players who get what the club is all about in the squad.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Following the end of his loan stint, Arbroath stated: “We have been extremely lucky to have Chris play for Arbroath this season.

“The 20-year-old seamlessly fitted into the dressing room and team and was soon a favourite of our supporters with his tireless running and competing for every single ball.

“Starting out at right back, before making the position in front of the back four his own, Chris showed great maturity and levels of skill as he went up against experienced players week-in and week-out and showed no fear or intimidation, winning battles every single match.

“A pivotal player in our team and part of our success, we know that Chris has a huge future in the game and would be welcome back at Gayfield any time.

“Chris was voted Young Player of the Year by our supporters and his loan at Gayfield will be fondly remembered by our supporters.

“A fantastic young gentleman and talented footballer, we wish Chris all the very best for the future and thank him for his time at Gayfield.”

Hamilton, who is currently on holiday, will meet his new team-mates when they return for pre-season next week, after which we will have an interview with the Pars star.