Pars deals won’t be there forever, warns Johnston

Dunfermline: Paton extends contract

Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston has warned new deals will not stay on the table forever as he seeks to re-sign his League One champions.

Faced with their entire first-team squad coming out of contract, the Championship-bound outfit have so far only completed negotiations with six players.

Michael Paton became the latest to commit his future to the Pars earlier this week, joining defenders Lewis Martin and Ryan Williamson, keepers Sean Murdoch and Cammy Gill, and attacker David Hopkirk.

With skipper Andy Geggan being tracked by Partick Thistle and the likes of top scorer Faissal El Bakhtaoui and winger Joe Cardle also attracting attention, the Fifers are being faced to wait on others.

However, Johnston admits he has been eyeing new recruits he believes could strengthen his squad for next season and insists the offers made to his current stars will not be available forever.

He said: “It’s going to take time and because their contracts run to the end of May that makes it even more difficult.

“It means they’ve got time to wait and see what options are available.

“But it works both ways. We’ve got plenty of time to assess our options as well and the contracts won’t always be there. We’ve been looking at other players for the last few months.

“When you sign people, you know that they’ve got the chance of moving on. It’s difficult, especially when you’re successful.

“So, we’ve always been looking at that – if that happens then who would we try and get in? We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Johnston also admitted he was pleased to complete the signing of a new contract with Paton.

He told the club website: “He has been a massive player for us this year. His crossing ability created a lot of chances for us and we are delighted to get him on board.

“A lot of Faissal’s goals have come from Pate’s deliveries.”

Michael Paton has signed new deal.