GARY Bollan has hailed the signing of Craig Barr as a "major coup" as the Cowden boss strengthened his squad this week.

The experienced defender put pen to paper on a deal yesterday (Tuesday) and will be playing his football at Central Park next season.

Bollan feels the 32-year-old is an excellent acquisition, signing the centre-back for the third time in his managerial career.

He told Times Sport: "I think him signing is a major coup for the club.

"He's a player I know well. I signed him back at Livingston and then again at Airdrie.

"He's very experienced, played at a high level and is a top pro. He's looked after himself and I'm delighted to bring him in."

Barr was a product of the Blackburn Rovers youth academy before making the move to Scotland to sign for Gretna in 2006.

Spells with Livingston and Queen of the South followed, before leaving the country to sign for Swedish side Östersunds FK.

Despite his intentions to earn a move to America, he was convinced by Gary Bollan to return to Scotland and play for Airdrie.

He would then leave for a three-year stay at Raith Rovers, before spending the last two campaigns at Dumbarton where he made 46 league appearances.

His final season with the Sons was marred by injury, but Bollan said: "He's fully fit now and we're all hopeful that his injuries are now behind him."

Cowden also added to their squad this evening with the capture of former Dundee United midfielder Archie Thomas, who will turn 20 next month. 

Originally from Plymouth, he came through the academies at Torquay United and Southampton before moving to Tannadice for season 2017/18.

Thomas made a number of first team appearances for United but a loan spell with Stirling Albion last season was cut short by injury.     

Bollan is also eager to fill the void left by Dave McGurn following the stopper's decision to return to Raith Rovers in a player/coach role.

Cowden have been linked with a loan move for Hibs youngster Maciej Dabrowski, but he is just "one possibility" being considered by the club.

Hibs were one of several full-time sides who expressed an interest in signing Jordan Allan, the promising young striker who hit nine goals in 23 games for Bollan's men during the 2018/19 season.

An offer is on the table for him to remain at Central Park and he could follow in the footsteps of fellow striker Ryan Connelly who signed a new contract on Monday.

The 19-year-old was sidelined for the majority of last season and the club says he's "raring to go" now that he's injury-free.