Bell in as Jags ring changes

Partick Thistle have continued preparing for life in the SPFL Championship by securing a pre-contract agreement with goalkeeper Cammy Bell.

Last season’s regular No 1, Tomas Cerny, left Firhill last week and boss Alan Archibald has moved quickly to tie up an experienced replacement.

Bell, pictured, has signed a two-year deal but won’t officially join the Jags until his contract at Hibernian expires at the end of June.

The 31-year-old has been at Easter Road for the past six months but only made two appearances – in a 1-1 draw with St Johnstone and a 2-0 win over Partick, both in March – as he failed to dislodge Ofir Marciano in Neil Lennon’s side.

Bell has vast experience of Scottish football after making his top-flight debut with Kilmarnock in 2009 following loan spells with Montrose and Queen of the South. He has also had spells with Rangers and Dundee United and has one Scotland cap to his name, when he came on as a substitute against the Faroe Islands in a 3-0 friendly win at Pittodrie in November 2010.

Bell is Partick’s second signing of the close season following their relegation from the Premiership. Defender Thomas O’ware has also been recruited.