We are delighted to announce an important new addition to our squad, with the signing of defender Simon Mensing.

Previously with Clyde, St Johnstone, Hamilton, Simon has signed a two year contract and will add vital experience to our squad when pre-season training begins next month.

The German-born Englishman spent last season with Raith Rovers, playing regularly for the Kirkcaldy side in last year's First Division campaign.

"I'm delighted to have put pen to paper on the contract with Livi and I'm already looking forward to getting started in a few weeks time," said Simon, who'll turn 31 just after pre-
season preparations begin.

"The fact that I've been given the security of a two-year contract is pleasing and having spoken to the management team, I was impressed with their vision for the club, where they want to take it, and the type of football they want to play."

Simon's longest spell with any club to date was his four and half year stint with Hamilton Accies, whom he helped to the First Division championship in 2008, before playing for them in the SPL.

With a wealth of experience behind him, Simon has high hopes that he can help Livingston make similar progress over the course of his contract.

"I've been up in Scotland for pretty much all of my career, from starting out on loan with Stenhousemuir and Clyde when I was about 18," he said.

"I know the First Division well through my time with Clyde, Hamilton and Raith and it's a notoriously competitive league. Anyone can beat anyone else and with only one promotion place as it stands it's hard to get out of.

"I managed to help Hamilton out of it before and I know how tough it is, but that's what we need to try and do at Livingston.

"Playing against Livi over the past couple of seasons, I've noticed that there is a good young core at the club, which is encouraging for everyone.

"From my point of view I'll do what I can to help them along, because no matter how good young players are, I think every successful squad needs a number of more experienced guys like myself."

A versatile player who has played in a variety of positions throughout his career, Simon has operated at centre back most recently, doing so both with Hamilton and Raith.

He expects to perform a similar role with us when the action restarts in July.

"I started out at right back before Owen Coyle moved me into midfield at St Johnstone in a kind of right wing back role," he added.

"At Hamilton, I played more in central midfield before moving back into the centre back role before I left.

"I always felt that I would move into a more defensive position eventually, but maybe not as early in my career as I have done.

"That's not a complaint - I'm more than happy to play there because it's an important role. Whereas you have your back to goal in midfield a lot of the time, you can see the game in front of you at centre back.

"As well as defending it's important to do a lot of talking and organising and I think that's another aspect of the game I can bring to Livingston."

Simon's signing follows on quickly from Calum Elliot's pre-contact agreement and Jason Talbot signing a new contract.

Assistant manager Mark Burchill expressed his satisfaction after adding another component to next season's squad.

"Richie and myself felt that getting a leader in at the back was vital if we want to be at the right end of the league next season, and Simon fits that bill one-hundred percent," he said.

"He was our first choice for that area so we're pleased to have got him ahead of other clubs.

"He's got a strong mentality and will add a bit of steel to the team, but he's also a very good footballer and we're delighted to get him on board."