Jamie Langfield joins St Mirren after Aberdeen release

St Mirren have signed goalkeeper Jamie Langfield on a two-year deal after he left Aberdeen earlier this week.

Langfield, 35, brought his decade-long stay at Pittodrie to an end after he lost his place in the first team and became Derek McInnes’ third choice behind Danny Ward and Scott Brown.

The Scot has not had to wait long to find employment again, signing a contract that sees him move back to his hometown club.

He will challenge to become the Paisley outfit’s main goalkeeper and will also take on coaching responsibilities under manager Ian Murray.

Langfield said: “I’m absolutely delighted. After leaving Aberdeen it’s been great to get something tied up so quickly and to come to my hometown club is that bit special.

“To go into the player/coach capacity is another step on the ladder and hopefully I can cut my teeth here.

“I spoke to the gaffer and he made it clear he wanted me to come in as a coach and use my experience.

“But obviously I said I’m not just here to sit on the bench and make up the numbers and retire. I still want to play and I still want a lot of competition.”

Murray said: “Jamie’s going to have a dual role, he’s going to be a goalkeeper who will compete with Mark (Ridgers) for the jersey now and also the goalkeeping coach, which is great for us all.

“We needed someone in to help Mark predominantly in that role and someone who will push Mark for a starting position.

“Mark will realise that he needs to be pushed and it’s always good to have other options. Mark’s attitude in the whole process has been fantastic.

“We understand he’s not had a lot of specialised goalkeeping coaching and that’s what he needs.

“Jamie’s at an age where he’s maybe got one eye on the coaching role and certainly improving a younger goalkeeper in Mark as well.

“Hopefully they can work hand-in-hand together and help each other throughout the season and hopefully be behind a defence that doesn’t concede many goals.”