Peter Murphy has strengthened his promotion-chasing Annan Athletic squad with the signing of veteran former Queen of the South player-boss Willie Gibson.

The 38-year-old has agreed terms with Galabank boss Peter Murphy.

Dumfries-born Gibson was until recently in charge at Queens before departing the club in December.

The vastly-experienced player now joins an Annan side hoping to maintain a play-off push in the second half of the Scottish League Two season.

They sit fourth after a 4-0 thrashing of Bonnyrigg Rose last weekend, and host fifth-placed East Fife on Saturday.

Murphy said he was delighted to bring in Gibson, whose career has included spells with such clubs as Kilmarnock, Dunfermline Athletic, Crawley Town, Falkirk, Stranraer, Peterhead and the short-lived Carlisle non-league side Celtic Nation.

Former Carlisle Uniteed favourite Murphy, speaking on Annan’s website, said: “We are delighted to welcome Willie Gibson to the club.

“Willie brings a wealth of experience in his ability on the pitch, whilst off the pitch he’ll help our younger players progress in training.

“It shows how far we have come as a club to be able to attract players of this calibre.

“Having been player of the year at Queen of the South in the Championship two seasons ago he will no doubt bring the quality we need to push us on for the rest of the season.”