GALA FAIRYDEAN are poised to land former Fulham fledgling Stuart Noble as their first signing of the close season.

New bosses Brian Templeton and Derek Hancock take over the reigns of the club this weekend.

And they are confident of landing the 22-year-old.

Brian said: “Stuart would be a great signing for us, and he is keen to come. He’s had his problems with injuries, but he’s also played at the top level.

“Hopefully having someone of Stuart’s stature will attract other top players to the club.”

Noble spent almost four seasons at Craven Cottage, and enjoyed loan spells at St Johnstone, Torquay United and Northampton Town.

Despite gaining a place in Chris Coleman’s first team squad, the prolific scorer has been plagued by injury and was released last season.

He spent several months at East Fife on his return to Scotland, but has been without a club since the start of 2006 while he recovers from a back injury.