Samson was with Ayr as they were relegated from Division One

By Clive Lindsay and Andy Campbell

St Mirren have signed goalkeeper Craig Samson as a replacement for Aberdeen-bound Mark Howard.

The 26-year-old Samson was available for free after his season-long contract ended with Ayr United and he has been given a one-year deal in Paisley.

He will be competing with Paul Gallacher for the number one spot.

"I know we're getting a goalkeeper who'll challenge. He'll certainly push Paul Gallacher," manager Danny Lennon told BBC Scotland.

St Mirren had agreed to terminate Howard's contract a year early to allow him to join the Dons.

The 23-year-old Englishman played only twice for the Buddies last season after losing his place to Paul Gallacher.

New St Mirren manager Danny Lennon had already allowed Chris Smith to leave for Dunfermline Athletic as he looked to free up wages to strengthen his outfield options.

There's a nucleus of a good foundation. I'm waiting on one or two to get back to me but I can't wait forever St Mirren manager Danny Lennon on his squad

Samson began his career with Kilmarnock and had loan spells with Queen of the South and St Johnstone before leaving Rugby Park in search of first-team football.

He spent a season as back-up at Dundee United before being a regular starter in single seasons with Ross County and Dundee.

Samson made only 11 appearances as Hereford United were relegated from League One and he suffered a second successive demotion in the season just past with Ayr.

Lennon has already signed Peter Bradley, Darren McGregor and Paul McQuade from former club Cowdenbeath.

And the Buddies boss is also keen to bring Gareth Wardlaw to Paisley from Central Park as he looks to expand his squad further.

"We're waiting on Cowdenbeath getting back to us," added Lennon.

"There's a nucleus of a good foundation. We're getting absolutely everything from the boys.

"The new boys have acquitted themselves well. They don't look out of sorts at all.

"I'm waiting on one or two to get back to me but I can't wait forever."

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