FORMER Pars fan favourite Joe Cardle will return to East End Park this season in opposition colours.

The winger has signed on the dotted line with Partick Thistle until the end of 2018/19 campaign, with the option for a further year.

Cardle left Dunfermline in June last year and made the move down south to sign for AFC Fylde on a two-year deal in July.

His stay with the National League outfit was brief though, as he cut short his time with the club in November.

The 31-year-old completed the paperwork on his deal with Thistle this morning (Friday) after spending a short time training with manager Gary Caldwell's first team squad.

He could now return to play at East End Park next month as Thistle make the trip from Glasgow to face Allan Johnston's men on Tuesday, February 26.

Cardle enjoyed two spells with Dunfermline after first joining in 2009.

He was a key player in Jim McIntyre's side that won the First Division title the following season.

The club struggled in the top flight and were relegated before plunging into administration in March 2013.

Cardle was one of eight first-team players who were made redundant.

He would re-join Athletic in the summer of 2015, helping the club to win the League One title.

He left the club after making 238 appearances and scoring 54 goals.