Ashcroft has top-flight target after switch to Dens Park

Mcpake finally gets his man as ex-pars skipper harbours promotion quest

Dundee’s new signing Lee Ashcroft admits he didn’t need much persuading to move to Dens Park.

The former Dunfermline captain has joined the Dark Blues on a two-year deal after being a long-time target for boss James Mcpake.

St Johnstone and Partick Thistle were also credited with an interest in the central defender but Ashcroft was easily talked into picking Dundee.

Ashcroft said: “It is something I’ve known about for a while now.

“Through this tough period the gaffer was on the phone to me quite a bit and desperate to get me here.

“He sold the club to me very well so I’m delighted to get it done.”

Ashcroft obviously knows what it takes to play in the Championship, having spent so long with the Pars at East End Park.

He said: “I have played with Dunfermline for four years so I know the league very well.

“I know what the club are wanting to achieve here, it is to get back to the top league and that is what I’m here to try and help them do. The gaffer has been great and I can’t wait to get started now.”

The 26-year-old defender left the Pars when his contract expired last May.

Ashcroft actually made his Dunfermline debut against the Dark Blues on May 11 2013.

The recruitment of Ashcroft is the first bit of business completed by Dundee since the successful outcome of their pay-cut negotiations.

As reported by Courier Sport in May, he is viewed as an ideal addition to the Dens Park side’s central defence by Mcpake and will be a replacement for Josh Meekings, who left the Dark Blues at the start of the contract talks.

Picture: David Young. Experienced defender Lee Ashcroft has come in at Dens Park as a replacement for Josh Meekings.