Lichties strengthen with signing of striker Wallace

Goal-getter joins up at Gayfield from Stranraer

ARBROATH V EAST FIFE

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell has bolstered his squad with the signing of striker Ryan Wallace from League 1 rivals Stranraer.

The Gayfield gaffer has been looking to add to his forward options with Steven Doris out for the season following cruciate surgery, while fellow front man Josh Skelly is suffering from a long-term hamstring injury.

Stranraer are currently suffering a cash-flow crisis and have accepted an undisclosed fee from the Red Lichties for Wallace who has netted 10 times so far this season.

The striker, who has also played for Dunfermline and East Fife, will link up with his new Arbroath team-mates next week once the transfer window opens.

Campbell said: “I am absolutely delighted to get Ryan on board.

“I have signed him on a two-and-ahalf-year deal. He is a proven goalscorer and is at the right age.

“The fact we were willing to pay a fee for him sends out a strong message.

“He will go straight into our squad for the game against Forfar on January 2.

“I am still looking for another front player and hopefully I will have something to announce soon.”

Before the game against the Loons, there is the small matter of today’s match against East Fife at Gayfield with Campbell looking for his side to return to winning ways after just falling short against Raith Rovers last week.

The Red Lichties narrowly lost to Barry Smith’s full-time outfit with the veteran manager insistent that his team deserved to take something from the game. He is now looking for a response against the Methil men but once again he will be without two key forwards who are out with long-term injuries.

Campbell said: “It was obviously disappointing to lose last week.

“It was difficult for both sides because of the wind but they defended well while we didn’t take our chances.

“I still feel we deserved something out of the game with their keeper having to pull off a great save at the end.

“They are full-time but we were evenly matched despite the fact that my lads hadn’t played for a while because of postponed games.

“We will now look to respond against East Fife.”

Campbell added: “I have a full squad apart from the two long-term injured boys, Josh Skelly and Steven Doris.

Ryan Wallace, left, has signed for Arbroath, helping to offset problems caused by injuries to the likes of Steven Doris, right.