Queen of the South manager Wullie Gibson signed a trio of players in one day as he continued re-building his squad for a tilt at the title in League One.
He recruited keeper Max Currie, defender Rico Quitongo and central defender Stuart Morrison in an eventful 24 hours.
Gibson said of new keeper Currie, who left Airdrie at the end of the season: “I’ve known Max since he was a young man sitting on Stranraer’s bench and I’ve tracked his progress with interest since.
“He established himself as their number one then moved on to two excellent seasons at Airdrie.
“When Josh Rae let us know he was moving on Max was immediately one of the first names I thought of to replace him and I’m delighted to get the deal done.”
Currie, a former Stranraer team mate of Gibson, said of his move to the Doonhamers: “As the gaffer said, I’ve known him since I first broke into senior football and when the opportunity came up to sign for him I didn’t need to be asked twice.
“I’ve had a good two years at Airdrie, which I enjoyed, but I felt the time was right for a new challenge. I’m looking forward to getting started with Queen of the South.”
Meanwhile, Quitongo, son of former Hamilton player dad Jose, did pre-season at Palmerston in 2019 before joining Dumbarton.
He has also played for Airdrie and finished last season at Peterhead.
He has agreed a one year deal at Queens and said: “I was keen to get back into full time football and Queen of the South is a good step up for me at this stage. I know a lot of the guys in the squad, and was really keen to get a deal done when I found out the Gaffer was interested in me. I can’t wait to get started.”
And Gibson said: “I’ve had my eye on Rico for some time and my assistant Grant Murray has seen plenty of him in the last couple of seasons. He’s a capable full back at this level and has plenty of experience under his belt now.
“I want to see him getting on the ball and carrying a threat up the line as well as doing his job defensively.”
Quitongo’s older brother Jai played for Queen’s Park last season and was a team-mate of new recruit Morrison.
The defender also worked with Murray at the Spiders and boss Gibson moved quickly to secure his signature on a one-year contract after he left the Glasgow side.
The Queens boss said: “I’m pleased to get Stuart sorted out.
“He is a ball playing centre half standing at just over 6ft, and again brings physical presence to our back line.
“At 23 he is at a good age and his experience in this league is also good to have around the group.”
Morrison added: “I’m delighted to sign for Queens and get my future sorted out early.
“Working with Grant before and seeing the plans for the club really enticed me to sign.
“I’m raring to go and to meet up with the boys for pre-season.”
