Bairn free to play v `Ton
Saturday, 20th Jan 2018"It’s worked out well that we had a bye in the third round of the cup at Falkirk because we finished second in the league last season.
Rarely can Dunfermline benefit from the success of their arch rivals Falkirk but new signing James Craigen`s arrival from the Bairns means that he is eligible to make his debut in Saturday`s Scottish Cup tie against Morton. A delighted James explained:-
“It’s worked out well that we had a bye in the third round of the cup at Falkirk because we finished second in the league last season. So, it’s great that I’m not cup-tied and I can get involved straight away."
Having played at Patrick Thistle, Forfar Athletic, Raith Rovers and Falkirk the 26 year old midfielder knows what it`s like to be the new kid on the block.
“When you sign somewhere, it’s never good if you have to wait another week when you’re itching to get involved. So, hopefully I can get off to a good start and we can get the win and get through to the next round of the cup."
His departure from Falkirk comes after a season and a half with Bairns. In his first season with the club Craigen helped Falkirk to a second place finish in the Championship. He played 27 matches and scored three goals. He went on to score two goals in each of the Scottish Premiership Play offs against Dundee United but Falkirk went out 3-4 on aggregate. This season was a bit different as Peter Houston was replaced by Paul Hartley, James continued:-
“When the new manager came in I played a few games, started a few games, and then over the last six games - for whatever reason - I haven’t featured.
“The manager at Falkirk brought in quite a few new players. So it was a case of thinking ‘do I want to be on the periphery for the rest of the season’? Or do I want to look to try to go somewhere else and try to get some more game-time.
“I decided it was best for me to move on, it was something I had spoken to the manager about and I thought it was best for the rest of the season that I went elsewhere.
“It’s nice to get sorted out with a new club quickly, so I’m pleased and delighted to join Dunfermline for the rest of the season."
Now it would appear that James is pushing for another Premiership Play off and ultimately promotion with Dunfermline. He added:-
“It’s a really good move for me, the team’s doing well. We played them a couple of weeks ago with Falkirk and they play some nice football under Allan Johnston. I’ve been involved in the play-offs with Raith and then with Falkirk last season, so hopefully I can be involved again."
James was born in Preston and was ten years in the Preston North End youth system. He came to Scotland to study but after selection for the Great Britain University side at the 2011 Student Games in Japan, professional football called and he found himself at Patrick Thistle at the start of season 2012-2013.
That means the new Par met up with Kallum Higginbotham (pictured together above):-
“I know Higgy, he’s a good guy, we played together at Partick Thistle, and he lives in Edinburgh, which is where I live. You do get to know other boys from playing against them too."
James had two successful seasons at Partick before joining Raith and making 42 appearances in 2015-2016 and then going on to play 51 times for Falkirk.
Having been at Raith Rovers and Falkirk, James is well aware of the rivalries with Dunfermline Athletic, and the welcome he might receive when he returns to the Falkirk Stadium having changed allegiances:-
“At the end of the day, I’m a professional footballer and in many respects it’s a job like any other job. I had a great year at Raith and I enjoyed my 18 months at Falkirk, I’ve not got a bad word to say about them, so from my point of view there’s no hard feelings.
“I would imagine I’ll get a bit of stick from both sets of fans, that’s just what it’s like. But I enjoyed my time at both clubs and now I’m looking forward to the next five months at Dunfermline."
So what has Allan Johnston said he expects of James?
“He wants me to stamp my authority on games. He believes in the ability I have and he wants me to go out and really contribute for the rest of the season - whether that’s scoring goals or creating goals, and working well for the team."
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