Kilmarnock secure Brandon after Livingston exit

Jamie Brandon captained Livingston to promotion back to the Premiership

Kilmarnock have secured Jamie Brandon on a two-year contract after the Livingston captain rejected a new contract with the promoted club as well as "a lot of clubs competing for his signature".

The versatile 27-year-old defender had spent three years with the West Lothian outfit, who will be opponents next season after finishing runners-up in the Scottish Championship and beating Ross County in the Premiership Play-off final.

Brandon becomes Kilmarnock's first signing since Stuart Kettlewell became manager and the former Motherwell boss is delighted to capture someone he believes was much sought after.

"There have been a lot of clubs competing for his signature," he told his club website.

"He's been a standout performer for Livingston and he adds to the leadership qualities that we already have in abundance here. He understands the demands of Scottish football."

Whitburn-born Brandon, who can play at right-back, right wing or central midfield, started his career with Heart of Midlothian and had a loan spell with Greenock Morton before joining Livingston.

He made 98 appearances for David Martindale's side, including 48 out of 50 last season, all of them starts, and is delighted to have joined "a big football club".

His arrival comes a day after Wigan Athletic announced the signing of departing Kilmarnock midfielder Fraser Murray.