The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Dark Blues boss swoops to bolster options in defence
Mcpake secures Berra, Elliott and Field
Dundee boss James Mcpake could field virtually an entire new defence at Morton this afternoon if he chose to after making three backline deadline day signings.
Mcpake’s persistence paid off when Christophe Berra made his mind up to come to Dens Park on loan from Hearts, despite several other offers on the table.
Right-back Christie Elliott was snapped up from Carlisle United, while Brentford left-back Tom Field’s arrival was announced half-an-hour before the window shut.
Both are permanent signings rather than loans.
Elliott spent eight years at Firhill. He made more than 200 appearances for Thistle before rejecting a new deal and heading to England.
Field played 21 times for Brentford and has had loan spells with Bradford City and Cheltenham Town during his time at Griffin Park.
Berra’s signing has the potential to transform Dundee’s season.
It’s not that long ago he was playing for Scotland and he was a Hearts regular until new boss Daniel Stendel froze him out and made him available for transfer.
The big frustration for Mcpake will be not securing the transfer of St Mirren striker Danny Mullen.
They were working on that one late into the night but couldn’t get it over the line.
The free agent market is still open to Mcpake, though.
Meanwhile, young Dundee keeper Calum Ferrie moved to Falkirk on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
The 21-year-old will provide competition for number one Robbie Mutch after Cammy Bell was released the day before.
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