The powerful striker, who had scored 12 goals for Ellon already this season, returns for his second spell at the club.

With strikers Chris Mountford and Andy Gregory both expected to miss the rest of the season through injury, Bobby hopes that his new signing will bulk up his threadbare attack.

"Derek has been scoring freely for Ellon this season so we are hoping he can notch a few for us," he said. "It looks like Andy and Chris are going to be out for the rest of the season so it was important for us to get someone in.

"Martin Shand and Lewis McKimmie have done well for us as has Hugh Robertson when we have played him up front but we are pleased to get Derek in as we were a bit short of options up front.

"Derek is a big, powerful striker which is what we need as we are quite a lightweight team. He can use his attributes to hold the ball up and bring other people into the game."

Derek, who previously played for Culter during the 1998/99 season before joining Turriff United, will be hoping to make a dream start by scoring the goals that help defeat reigning champions Banks O'Dee at Crombie Park this weekend.

Bobby said: "Banks O'Dee will be a tough match for us as they are a good side. We are getting into a bit of form ourselves so it should be a good game. We will have to hope that the weather improves because if it is anything like last weekend then there is no chance of the game going ahead."

He added: "Banks O'Dee are the champions now so the roles have reversed for us. We know we will have to be at our best if we want to take something from the match as they are a quality side but you have got to look forward to games like this, if you don't then there is something wrong with you."