FOLLOWING the departure of Josh Edwards, Athletic manager James McPake said finding a replacement is at the top of his shopping list.

Edwards' exit to Charlton Athletic was not a surprise to the Pars boss and he said work is already underway to fill the void left by the popular full back.

"We knew probably from January that the likelihood was we would lose Josh and we have been working away," he told Press Sport.

"We will need to replace him. We are not trying to bring in another Josh Edwards. Players we are trying to bring in will have their own qualities. That is the main priority."

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McPake has only added one player to his squad so far with the return of loan striker Chris Kane on a permanent deal.

The 29-year-old agreed a two-year-contract in May after 15 years at St Johnstone.

Last season, Kane scored five times in 10 appearances for Athletic after agreeing a temporary switch in February, helping them move away from relegation danger and consolidate their place in the Championship.

McPake said: "Chris will be a great addition. You see the impact he had for a short period of time last season. You can see the qualities he has."

The Dunfermline boss has not ruled out anymore signings before the season starts.

"I think you could ask any manager and they will say they are never happy but we understand the dynamics in the budget," McPake admitted.

"Every manager in every league in the world would say they would love to add to their squad all over the pitch.

"We are working away to bring players in and it is difficult obviously. But first and foremost, it will be to replace Josh.

"The squad we have got is a strong squad when fit."