Stirling comes to Dunfermline

Jim Jefferies third new squad member as he builds a side for next season.

Andrew Stirling has become Jim Jefferies third new squad member as he builds a side for next season. The 24 year old joins Dunfermline from fellow League One side, Stranraer on a one year deal with a one year option. The Paisley born player is a skilful wide midfield player and speaking exclusively to this website he described how pleased he was to be back playing full time football after a good season with Stranraer:-

"I had to make a decision to either go back (to Stranraer) but there was interest from Dunfermline and I had a word with folk and everyone thought I had to do it and I am delighted to be here."

Again the positive outlook portrayed by the manager and coaching staff was a major factor to the signing decision:-

"Coming up and meeting them and seeing how interested they were and that they wanted me here. You always go where you are wanted, I had a word with them and went down to the training ground and everything looked brilliant and I am just dying to get started."

Andrew was full time at St Mirren when he was 16 but was let go as a youth player. The move to Dunfermline means that this will be the first time that he has been back full time since then.

"If anyone gets the chance to go full time then they would and I am delighted to be back full time. I have signed a one year deal with a one year option, looking to the future and going up and getting promoted, so hopefully two."

Asked what he thought he could he bring to the team, Andrew related his experience in being an opponent no fewer than six times last season:-

"What I noticed last year was that they didn't have a lot of width, everything was through the middle and very narrow and that is my favourite position, I am a naturally wide player. I think that is what he (the Manager) sees me as.

"Obviously I was looking at maybe being with a team that are going to win the league as I imagine that is the plan after talking to the gaffer. It was always a hard decision to leave but I think that I had to do it to take a step forward in my career.

"We were tipped for relegation and ended up in the play offs and pushing for promotion and that was the aim. It just shows how well we had done and it was a great team to be at. Hopefully I can be the winger and add a wee bit of width and be direct and hopefully can add that to the game. I hug the touchline and can play either right or left, it doesn't matter as long as I get a game."

In 45 matches last season Andrew scored five goals, he added:-

"I chip in with the odd goal but I have set up a lot more. It's more about other people scoring than me, but you never know I might change my mind and start scoring goals next year. Last year I was involved in a lot of goals, either directly or indirectly but I will see if I can add a few more."

Andrew has not crossed paths with any of the current Pars players but confessed to knowing one of their fathers!

"I've met a few through just playing against them over the years, and everyone knows everyone in football. I know Ross Millen's dad and if he is anything like him then he will be a handful! I'm just looking forward to getting involved and getting started straight away and getting to know everyone. I can't wait to get started pre-season training, I know some boys hate pre-season, but I'm really looking forward to it. I might change my mind after the 2nd/3rd July but I'm looking forward to it more than anything."

With the Pars successfully completing the signing of Michael Moffat on Tuesday, Andrew is hoping to supply the new striker:-

"He makes it easy - you just put the ball in and he can just shoot and score. He did it last year at Ayr United, so with a better team, fingers crossed he does the exact same thing!"