Hill returns to Gayfield as Doris steps up fitness

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell has added the familiar figure of goalie Darren Hill to his squad for next season.

The Gayfield gaffer released keepers David Hutton and Ricky Gomes at the end of the last campaign but moved quickly to snap up former Hamilton and Livingston stopper Darren Jamieson earlier this week.

Now, Campbell has added 36-year-old Hill, who spent five seasons with the Red Lichties between 2008 and 2013 before leaving for Forfar and Hamilton.

And the manager revealed he is hoping for good news next week in his pursuit of Raith Rovers’ out-of-contract fullback Jason Thomson.

Campbell said: “Getting two goalies in was vitally important so I am delighted to have filled the positions.

“Darren Hill is a very experienced keeper who the Arbroath fans will know well and I expect him to push Darren Jamieson hard next season.

“As I have said, I am not looking to bring a lot of players in but we are still trying to snap up Jason Thomson.

“He is due back from holiday and I am still hopeful he will decide to join Arbroath.”

Meanwhile, Campbell revealed that striker Steven Doris is on track to join the team for pre-season training.

The 29-year-old missed most of last season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury against Albion Rovers at the start of September.

However, he is battling back to full fitness with the help of the Arbroath physio and Campbell is hoping to have the key player available sooner rather than later.

He added: “Steven is doing fine and is well on schedule to come back in for pre-season.

“He has been training hard himself and has also been working three times a week with the physio to help his recovery.

“Steven is an important player for us. He started the season well before his injury and it will be great to have him back in the fold once more.”

Darren Hill has returned to Arbroath after five years away.