Jim Hamilton is being allowed to leave Motherwell

The 30-year-old, who had a brief spell at East End Park in 2003, has completed the move for an undisclosed fee.

Dunfermline were left seething that the deal did not go through in time for Hamilton to face Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday.

But Pars chairman John Yorkston said: "That's a done deal now. He has signed a two-year deal with us."

Yorkston believes the 30-year-old could be the man to drag the club off the bottom of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

"He is a proven goalscorer in our own league and he normally gets into double figures for goals," he said.

We will have a lot of attacking options soon Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston

"This season, we do have a number of good forwards, but it's just a question of getting them all fit.

"We will have a lot of attacking options soon, but Jim is a proven player and scorer and we are happy to get him.

"I am delighted to have him here because it has dragged on a bit, but we have every confidence in him."

Motherwell last week signed Calum Elliot on loan from Hearts.

And, after the 19-year-old made his debut on Saturday, Dunfermline and Motherwell have agreed a deal for Hamilton.

Hamilton, who will sign a two-year contract, has been with Motherwell since leaving Livingston in January 2005 but has not featured in their last three matches.

The player, who has also turned out for Hearts, Aberdeen and Dundee United, spent four months with the Pars in 2003, signing as an amateur to overcome transfer window rules.

Dunfermline's start to the season has been hampered by a huge injury list.