text: Edinburgh City and Spartans make signings - Edinburgh Evening News
  Edinburgh City and Spartans make signings
  Edinburgh City manager Gary Jardine with the Lowland League trophy. Picture: Greg Macvean
  Edinburgh City have made former Berwick Rangers striker Dean Carse their first summer signing as they seek to retain the Lowland League title.
  Carse, 21, joins the champions after training with Gary Jardine's squad towards the end of last season and finalised the move following his release from Shielfield Park.
  He will once more link up with fellow forward Nico Gibson, both players having started their careers with Aberdeen.
  Jardine believes the Meadowbank club is an ideal fit for a player with a point to prove. "Dean fits the bill of the type of player we want at the club and we're delighted that he has agreed to come to City," he said.
  "He has a great attitude towards the game, works exceptionally hard and thrives on scoring goals. On top of that he comes to the club hungry to improve and make up for lost time."
  Carse himself is eager to help City to further success after last season's emphatic title win. "Having trained with the club towards the end of last season I know I'm joining a great group of players who made me feel really welcome," said the striker. "I'm looking forward to enjoying my football and playing a part in City's efforts to retain the Lowland League title."
  Dougie Samuel, meanwhile, has further strengthened his Spartans squad with the signing of Dan Ward on a pre-contract agreement from Lowland League rivals Edinburgh University.
  The Students' Players' Player of the Year will play his football at Ainslie Park next season after six years with the University club, and becomes Spartans' second capture of the close season following the signing of Scott Maxwell last week.
  Samuel was delighted to land a player he knows extremely well. "Dan is someone I know well from my time at the University, he is a player I've always admired and believed has the ability to perform at a higher level," he said. "A Scottish University cap numerous times over, he has a proven pedigree…for me, he's one of the most under-rated players in the Lowland League."
  Ward is keen to help his new club try and regain the Lowland League title. "It is an exciting time right now to be part of Spartans, and it is something I am very happy to be part of next season," enthused the midfielder. "With the Lowland League continually improving in standard I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and to compete for the Lowland League title with Spartans."