New signing Markus Paatelainen who today signed an 18 month contract with the Club and manager Charlie Christie spoke earlier of his move.
Markus said of his transfer "I am very happy to be making this move, I moved to Cowdenbeath eighteen months ago after being at Aberdeen, and it was important to get use to the Scottish game before trying to make the step back up to the Premier League and now I have managed to do that.
I feel my best position is on the left wing but I am happy to play anywhere. I am sure I will adapt well to the SPL, there are so many good players and therefore the passing and movement on display will be even better. I spoke the move over with my brother Mixu and he was delighted that I have come here as he had a lot of good things to say about the Club.
The fact the Club really wanted me to come was the key factor in deciding to put pen to paper here, and also the chance to play SPL football.
I am really looking forward to playing here and I was delighted the deal was concluded now rather than having to wait till the summer."
Manager Charlie Christie said of the new signing "I am delighted that Markus has agreed to join the Club, Markus's name came up while in conversation with various people that watch Scottish League football on a regualr basis. We got positive reports back so we sent Donald down to watch him in action and he also came back with a favourable report.
We feel he has the potential to play at this level and Markus himself has made no secret "of his desire to play at SPL level. He is at a very good age for the Club to step on his career and we are confident he can step up to this level.
He came in this morning and trained with the boys and didn't look out of place and it will take him a few days to get fully into the pace of training I'm sure but he is a very positive signing for the Club.
One of the reasons we have signed him especially at this time of the season is his versatility, he can play in a number of positions such as wide left or right, centre midfield or up front."
Flying Finn signs up for Caley JagsFollowing the news last week that Cowdenbeath player Markus Paatelainen had signed a pre-contract agreement for the club we are now pleased to announce his transfer with
immediate effect.
Markus will begin training with his new team-mates today.
Markus Paatelainen, who is 24 on January 23, is a former Finland under-21 cap and manager Charlie Christie reveals:"We've been tracking him for some time and I'm delighted to land Markus as he brings something different to our pool.
"He can play wide right or left and also in central midfield, though it is primarily as an attacking wide man that we see him. He's 6 feet 1 inch tall and weights 12 stones eight, so he gives a physical presence, which is something that adds balance to our smallish midfield.
Markus joined Cowdenbeath in September 2005 shortly after Mixu became manager there. He had spent six months at Aberdeen on a short term contract.
Markus was a key player as the Blue Brazil won the Third Division title, scoring six goals in 24 outings and winning the Scottish Professional Footballers Association Third Division Player of the Year Award. He also made a clean sweep of Cowdenbeath players and supporters awards.
He was injured for two months early this season but has made an impressive comeback to help the Fifers do well in the Second Division.
Mixu, who stepped down as Cowdenbeath player manager in October to take charge at ambitious TPS Turku, wanted Markus to help them clinch an UEFA Cup place.
"But Markus wants to stay in Scotland and make his mark in the SPL", says Charlie Christie."We'll assess his fitness this week and see how soon he is conditioned for the top flight, but he's an exciting recruit. His arrival increases competition for places and gives us a style of midfielder we don't have on our books."
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