Marc McAusland - first interview
Thursday, 24th Sep 2015"The size of the park and the standard of the pitch means that we will be able to play football."
Marc McAusland has signed a season long contract at Dunfermline After five seasons at St Mirren the 27 year old centre back felt that it was time to move for something different. He had plans to go abroad that fell through quite late on and he knew that he should not have a period with no football. That is when Allan Johnston and John Potter stepped in with phone calls to suggest he swapped the black and white stripes of St Mirren for those of Dunfermline.
"They were looking for somebody with experience and it was a good opportunity at a big club. I needed to get games and that is what turned my decision to come to Dunfermline. I have worked with John Potter and the gaffer before and got on very well with them. I am now looking forward to playing here."
The player had a couple of opportunities to play down south and a couple abroad but he has has now opted for the club that he described as "too big for League One.
"The gaffer is positive about everything that he wants to do, he thinks that they should be at a higher level and I agree. Hopefully I can help get the club back into the position that they should be in."
The new signing explained that he knew Both Allan Johnston and John Potter from being a team mate of both.
"When I was younger I went to Queen of the South for a season to get games and play. That was under Gordon Chisholm and Kenny Brannigan. When Danny Lennon came in as manager at St Mirren he wanted me back.
"I played with John. He was my captain at St Mirren and in the changing room he was great fun. I loved working with him and it was him who contacted me first about it. When he heard that I was interested to find out more the gaffer phoned me. Between the two of them they persuaded me to come.
"When I was at Queen of the South Allan Johnston arrived but that was the season I left for St Mirren. I was only with him for a few weeks pre season. He still had great ability and went on to become a manager. I have met him a few times now outside football and I get on really well with him so I knew that I would enjoy working under him."
Marc has played at East End Park both for Queen of the South and St Mirren and his experiences of those visits attracted him to make Dunfermline his new club:-
"I know that the boys here like to play a bit and the manager encourages it. That was a positive for me coming here. The size of the park and the standard of the pitch means that we will be able to play football. Hopefully it will be a good decision and I will enjoy my time."
Experience and vocal instruction are the two things that Marc feels he can bring to Dunfermline. Having captained St Mirren he also feels that he can be a leader on the park.
"I have played a lot of games at the top level in Scotland and hopefully that will show. Apart from Jason Talbot I know the back four is young so hopefully they can learn from me and we can do well together. I know that I have been at different clubs in pre season but it is just about getting back into that routine. Training every day for Saturday. That is what I have missed so I am glad to get the deal done and I am looking forward to Saturday."
Given the way defenders are getting cropped at Dunfermline does Marc come in with some trepidation?
"Since I came in on trial I have fitted in really well. It is unfortunate what has happened to the two boys, I wish them a speedy recovery. I will play every game the way I train, you can't think about that, they were just unlucky."
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