Tuesday 7 June 2016 17:29, UK
Paul Paton has ended his three-year spell at Dundee United to link up with Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone.
The 29-year-old has signed a two-year contract at McDiarmid Park and will join Tommy Wright's squad when they start pre-season training later this month.
Northern Ireland international Paton missed the first half of last season due to a serious knee injury, but returned to action in January and was even handed the United captaincy for the final third of the campaign.
However, his return was not enough to save United from slipping into the Championship and the defensive midfielder has made a swift return to the top flight with St Johnstone.
Paton, who scored five goals in 95 appearances for United after joining them on a free transfer from Partick Thistle in July 2013, has wished Dundee United well as they prepare for their first season in the second tier for 20 years.
"I would like to thank the supporters and everybody at Tannadice for my time at the club," Paton told the club's official website.
"There will always be a tangerine spot in my heart and I wish Dundee United every success in returning to the Scottish Premiership next season."
Saints confirmed Paton's signing on Twitter, posting: "Following his release from @dundeeunitedfc today, we're delighted to confirm that @PaulPaton4 has signed a 2 year deal with us."
And Wright later told his club's official website: "Paul is underestimated - he's an aggressive player but has a lot of real quality too. His range of passing is excellent and throughout this career his attitude on the pitch has been great.
"We believe we've captured another good signing for the forthcoming season - our fourth and I think in all four we are bringing quality and experience into the squad.
"It not only improves the quality but also in terms of depth we are sitting, I believe, in a good position. I've always emphasised the point that it is the whole squad that has enabled this football club to achieve what it has these past few seasons and the addition of Paul will enhance that."
