Return ticket for Greg Shields

“I said these kind of opportunities don’t come along very often and I asked ‘can I go’?

Greg Shields spent nine and a half years in the United States but he feels the time is right for him to accept the Transatlantic invitation to return to the club he made 237 appearances for during two spells from 1997 and 1999 then again between 2004 and 2009. He told the website:-

“When the chairman called me up I really had a seven hour window to try and turn it round. The time difference helped because we were five hours behind.”

Timing was good because his club, North Carolina FC were in their close season and don’t start back till February. The club were encouraging and never stood in his way.

“I said these kind of opportunities don’t come along very often and I asked ‘can I go’? They recognised that it was the right thing. I had always said to the club if anything came in that attracted me I would be open to going.

“I left Raleigh at four o’clock, flew out of New York and was delayed for an hour, I got into the stadium at 9.30 which was bang on time for our first meeting with the players.

Having spent the last nine and a half years in North Carolina, the new Assistant Coach arrived with suitcase and jet lagged in what he termed a whirlwind. Behind in the States he had left his wife Lorraine and three children to follow once their education is completed to a stage where they can.

“On the flight I watched five or six of the previous games and doing a little bit analysis of Dundee United. I felt I wanted to be well prepared but the reception and welcome that I have had from the group has been fantastic.”

Greg only knows Sean Murdoch from when he was here before, Mo Hutton, Kevin and Willie are all people on the staff who were here prior - so it was good to see familiar faces.

“I see it as an exciting challenge. I said to them that everyday is a challenge, I want you guys to challenge each other regardless of results and what has happened prior.

“Their attitude on Thursday was very good, the response I got yesterday when I took them for training (Friday) was fun and the group were buzzing.”

Now 42 years old, Greg is very conscious that as much as the fans will remember him, the players don’t and that he has to begin by building relationships.

“In the last ten years I have turned into a listener. Listening is so important as a coach. The game has evolved, the players want feedback. That is what I would like as a player. You have to have a relationship with them and that is what I want to instil here as well.”
Putting yourself in the players shoes is important when it comes to feedback/criticism.

Greg was heavily involved with the youths at Carolina, putting in 80 hour weeks at times and taking some through to the first team. One of the 19 year olds to come through the pathway to pro system, Manny Perez is looking set to join Celtic in July.

Watching Dunfermline at Tannadice in his first game back Greg was impressed by the attitude of the players, their drive and application.

“Speaking to the group the positives from that was huge. When I looked at the team throughout the game I thought we are a decent team

“There was so many good performances - defensively we were compact, denied space and squeezed the game week , our midfield pressed very well and looked dangerous at time sin wise areas.

“I thought this is excellent then all of a sudden one lapse in concentration from the free kick and it was the goal. I don’t want to be downbeat because I have really enjoyed being back and coaching these players.

“There are many positives. As we get our own input in the week, the more information we can give them, it is going to help them.”

It was important to Greg who captained the Pars in cup finals in 2006 and 2007 that it was Dunfermline Athletic who were asking him to return to Scotland.

“To be honest when Stevie came in last year, I made contact with the chairman asking about the John Potter vacancy - and asked if there was an opportunity there, if Stevie is not willing to stay are they any openings?

“When you are away for so long you become forgotten. It was a call out of the blue and it is funny because I watched the Falkirk v Dunfermline game after the Old Firm game and I really enjoyed it. I didn’t watch the game last weekend until I was on the plane.

“So many coaches here want the opportunity to coach in America. They want the different lifestyle, cultural change - but this all came at a time that was right for everyone and even more so because it was Dunfermline.

“Listening to Ross and what he wants to do. His vision for the club is one of the main reasons I came back. I want everybody to be on the same page from grass roots all the way through.

“I come from a club back in the US (North Carolina FC) where everybody plays the same style from u11 all the way through, the coaches all speak the same language (verbiage) which is so important in how we develop.

“Our academy is FIfe Elite, I want to understand how that works, how I can help and monitor closely what the talent pool is.

“Maybe I am way off and need to sit down with people to ask if this is achievable. I want to bring the young boys through our system see them progress into the first team and sell on so the club can benefit (as everyone does) - that excites me.

“Be sure, I’m fully committed to helping Dunfermline achieve their goals on the field and off the field and excited to be back.”

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