Saints sign Samson, Howard joins Dons

St Mirren have signed goalkeeper Craig Samson, while confirming the departure of Mark Howard to Aberdeen. The former Kilmarnock, St Johnstone and Dundee United keeper, 26, has agreed a one-year deal with Saints.He will now battle Paul Gallacher for the gloves next season, with Howard and Chris Smith both leaving the Paisley club in the last couple of weeks.St Mirren manager Danny Lennon told the club's official website: "It was no hidden secret that it was a cost cutting exercise with the two goalkeepers as every one of them was capable of claiming the number one jersey, as is Craig Samson who has just signed for us."We feel that we are getting a quality player at very good value by bringing Craig in who will challenge for the number one shirt."I felt that the three quality keepers that we had were very good earners and for me that money could be spent wiser elsewhere."It was nothing to do with their ability as I rate both Chris Smith and Mark Howard very highly but I had to make a decision about my number one and I saw Paul Gallacher as being my man."Sure, we need a good back up but I feel that we needed one at a good value."I'm sure Craig Samson will push hard and not settle for not being the starter - as he wouldn't be here if he was just happy to sit on the bench."

Source: Team_Talk