Gaffer makes his Mark
Thursday, 7th Jun 2018Allan Johnston talks about new signing Mark Durnan
Allan Johnston knows Mark Durnan well from his time at Queen of the South. His success with the Palmerston club attracted the interest of Dundee United who at that time were in the Premier League and obviously he got his move there. The Pars gaffer said:-
“I am delighted to get him on board. He gives us height and physical presence at the back. I am sure that he will do well. He has a bit of experience behind him playing Championship football predominantly and obviously Premiership as well.
“He wants to be really successful, he is good defensively, good in the air and is one of those players who is looking to improve all the time. He fits all the criteria we are looking for and having worked with him before I know how good a lad he is in the dressing room as well. I am sure that he will fit in really well with the players that are here.”
Part of that fit will be with his potential partner in the centre of the Dunfermline defence which one might expect to be Ashcroft? The gaffer gave nothing away:-
“There is going to be competition, nobody is guaranteed to play but that is what you are looking for - quality players to push us on and hopefully try and improve us.
“Last year we had a good defensive record and it is an important part and you need that base to build on. I am sure that Mark can play a big part in that this year.”
The Pars fans will recognise 25 year old Mark Durnan from the last two season’s matches against Dundee United and AJ claimed that is always good when you know somebody that you have worked alongside before:-
“How he trains, how his is in the dressing room. Obviously he has improved as a player as well so that is what you are looking for.
“He sees this as a great place to come and play his football. He sees it as a challenge, he wants to be successful and he thinks this is the club to come to.”
The Glasgow born defender had a few options to choose from, there were other clubs interested so Allan Johnston was delighted to secure him:-
“I have obviously been talking to a lot of players over the last few weeks but at this time of year it is difficult because people are away on holiday or they are still assessing their options. You just have to be patient but hopefully we are getting a bit close to getting others completed, signed up and make sure that they are ready for pre season starting.
“I am going on holiday but my phone doesn’t! You know what it is like, no matter where you are, you are on the end of a phone. We have been talking to players anyway so being away shouldn’t really make any difference.”
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