FORMER Dundee United and St Johnstone stopper Alan Main has joined Dunfermline as the new goalkeeping coach.

The 54-year-old will be working with current number one Deniz Mehmet and youngster Calum Archibald.

Main replaces Neil Alexander, who has now left East End Park.

Pars boss James McPake confirmed: "Alan is in as goalkeeping coach which I'm delighted about. He's had a fantastic career.

"Alan had a broken leg the same time as me (at Livingston), we did rehab together so I've known him for a while.

"He's a great character, infectious personality, really bubbly and that's what we're trying to build.

"For Denis and for young Calum, it's really important to get him in and get them going.

"They'll enjoy it and work hard."

Main signed for Dundee United in 1986 and in nine years he played 152 matches for the Tannadice club.

He had two spells at St Johnstone, his 308 appearances for the Perth side was a record that has since been overtaken, and was rewarded with a testimonial match against Manchester United in 2010.

A Scotland under-21 cap and 'B' player, Main also played for Livingston and Gretna.

McPake said he was also looking for an assistant, with first-team coach Greg Shields taking charge of the club's newly-formed youth academy.

He explained: "There's work in the background on another member of staff that'll hopefully in the coming days become a bit clearer.

"Shieldsy is going to do the academy. He's been great, fantastic.

"I came in on my own but obviously I need an assistant and that's what we're working on now."

McPake is happy with how pre-season training has started and added: "There seems to be a good feeling about the place which I was sceptical about.

"I was a we bit worried because I saw it at Dundee, they had been relegated and we needed to pick them up.

"I don't believe we've had to pick this group up like that.

"They've come back in great condition and there's something about this place, there's a real togetherness and willingness to do well."