New Saints defender Saunders signs for Scottish Premier League side Livingston

The New Saints have announced that defender Steve Saunders has swapped the Welsh Premier League for the Scottish Premier League after signing for Livingston.

The 27-year-old returns to Scotland having left Dumbarton back in 2016.

Livi confirmed their place in next season’s top flight with a 3-1 aggregate win against Partick Thistle in the Scottish Premier League playoffs.

Saunders has had experience in playing against Livingston twice, once in a 3-0 victory at the Tony Macaroni Stadium, as well as a penalties victory in the Scottish Challenge Cup, this season.

The right-back began his career with Queens Park, before moving to Motherwell. He would go on to spend four years with the Steelmen.

He is Livingston’s second signing of the day, after Falkirk’s Craig Sibbald also arrived at the Tony Macaroni Stadium. Livingston are currently managerless after manager David Hopkin left the club earlier today.

“We were after Steven when he was previously playing for Dumbarton in the Championship,” said David Martindale.

He brings a wealth of experience to Livingston.”

During his time at Park Hall, Saunders won the JD Welsh Premier League twice, as well as winning the Nathaniel MG Cup on two occasions.

It was confirmed last week that Daniel Redmond would be making the opposite journey to Saunders: he joins The New Saints from Scottish Championship side Dumbarton.

Martindale continued: “Steven has also managed a cap as a full Scotland internationalist, and has played in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers with TNS.

The Scotsman has experience of playing in the countries top-flight league, having spent two years with Ross County.

However, he will not be able to renew acquaintances  with the Staggies, as they were relegated from the Scottish Premier League this season.

The 43-year-old concluded by saying: “He is a big strong quick player and can play Centre Back or Right Back.”

(Featured image: Brian Jones of The New Saints FC)