Aberdeen have this evening completed the signing Dan Happe following the expiry of the Leyton Orient mans contract.

The defender penned a two-year-deal with the option of a further year after becoming a very consistent and reliable defender throughout English Football.

The 6ft 6′ defender joined the London side at the young age of 14, going on to make 250 appearances for the O’s, becoming a solid starter week-in week-out which he helped gain promotion to League Two after winning the National League as well as gaining promotion to the English League One.

The 27-year-old said he turned down a handful of clubs down south to pen a deal at Pittodrie.

Dan Hoppe said: “Having spent my entire career at one club it was a big decision to move on, but I just felt it was the right time to try something new, and this was an opportunity I could not turn down,” he said.

“After speaking to the manager, he was so positive and enthusiastic about the club and what he wants to achieve here. He was very persuasive. I had other options, interest from teams in England, but after the call with him I was in now doubt this was the move for me.

“I know last season was not what anyone at Aberdeen would have wanted, it was disappointing, but I am confident better times lie ahead with the squad the manager is building. I want to help the team get back into Europe and help the team win trophies.”

Hoppe is well known for his ability on the ball and has been a key leader on-and-off the pitch for the London outfit and will become a valuable asset to the new look Aberdeen side.

Stephen Robinson said while speaking on the new signing: “Dan is a leader who given his stature is clearly dominant in the air, something which we have missed,” Robinson said.

“Given his experience we think he can have an immediate impact while also contributing to our longer-term vision for the club. He’s exactly the right type of character and brings the attributes we’re looking for.”

Hoppe becomes Aberdeen’s fourth summer signing as Stephen Robinson looks to get his new looks Dons team ready ahead of their Premier Sports Cup opener with Highland League Champions, Brora Rangers.