CRAIG WIGHTON has said that the belief of his manager has helped him have the most enjoyable season of his career - and stay put with the Pars.

The 25-year-old, who has hit 19 goals this season, put pen to paper on a new two-year contract with the club ahead of their League One title-clinching match with Queen of the South.

With his existing deal due to end in the summer, former Dundee and Heart of Midlothian forward Wighton agreed fresh terms to remain at KDM Group East End Park until the summer of 2025, after discussions that had "been going on in the background for a few weeks".

He has joined the likes of Matty Todd, Josh Edwards and Joe Chalmers in signing a new contract with the club, and acknowledged that the belief his manager, James McPake, who he played with at Dundee, and his number two, Dave Mackay, have been crucial factors.

"It's the most I've enjoyed my football, this year. It was an easy decision," he said.

"I get on with the manager and Dave really well; it was a no-brainer. I'm glad to get it done, and I'm looking forward to the next couple of years.

"Having that backing from the manager and Dave, it's helped me play with a lot of confidence, and maybe just takes that wee bit of pressure off me. I've enjoyed it; it's a great group of boys as well. It's a good environment, it's a good club to be at.

"They played a big part in that and, hopefully, we can go on and achieve more good things."

When asked about how important having such belief from his manager is, Wighton, who said it was a "no-brainer" to sign when the deal was offered, continued: "I think you can see that with not just me. A lot of the boys were here last year under the last couple of managers.

"It never worked out for whatever reasons, but the manager was really keen early on to put that behind us. It was a clean slate for everyone.

"I think you can see the way everyone is playing that he gives them that confidence, and there is a real freedom to go and try things, and enjoy yourself. As long as you're working hard for the team, he doesn't mind if you lose the ball, as long as you're doing your job, and go and play with a freedom.

"I think we've kind of thrived on that this year."

Wighton's goal return this season is his best since joining the Pars in 2021, but, whilst he said he didn't set himself any targets, he added: "It's been a good return since I came back. Hopefully I can get a few more between now and the end of the season.

"In terms of my goals, it's been good, and I think my overall play's been good at times as well. I can still improve, obviously, but it's a good target for next season. I want to go and beat whatever I get this year.

"I'm enjoying my football. Hopefully I can keep scoring goals and we can keep doing what we're doing."