Big man big role

“I think there is still a lot more to come from him, which is exciting, but we are happy with how he is developing so far.”

With injuries to his central defenders Stevie Crawford is relieved that he had Lithuanian internationalist, Vytas Gašpuitis available to bring in as a replacement. The Pars manager praised the 26 year old’s ability to slot right into his team:-

“When Vytas first came in, he was lacking in match fitness. It wasn’t ideal that he was joining us at the back end of his season. So for him to get himself to the fitness levels he has is a credit to himself and Gary McColl who has worked really hard with him on the sports science side of thing.

“I think the big man would be the first to praise his team mates. They have helped him along, made him feel welcome in the club and, although he has come in during a difficult period, he has done reasonably well.”

Euan Murray sustained an ankle injury that affected his calf, and Paul Watson has also been battling against a recurring injury. Vytas made two appearances off the bench in mid March in the home games against Morton and Inverness Caley Thistle before going off to play for his country against Kosovo, Switzerland and Italy.

Since returning from international duty the 6’5” defender has played every minute of the matches against Hearts, Ayr United, Dundee and Queen of the South. Stevie added:-

“I think there is still a lot more to come from him, which is exciting, but we are happy with how he is developing so far.”

Above: Stevie Crawford and Andrius Skerla, DAFC Photocall 2002

Even though watching only on streaming services, Pars fans have taken to Vytas Gašpuitis, many hoping that he can become the cult hero that his fellow countryman Andrius Skerla did during his five years at East End Park from 2000 to March 2005. Stevie Crawford was a team mate of Andrius and he continued:-

“That comes from when you sign someone from a different background. With the big man being from Lithuania, and the fact his size makes him stand out from everybody because of his height. He’s just a big humble guy who wants to do better.

“When we looked into signing him, it wasn’t a case of him just wanting to move to another football club. He expressed a desire to try and become a better football player and, as I’ve always said during my time as manager at this football club, that’s the type of person you want to work with.

“With a pre-season under his belt, I know there’s even more there. But he has done enough to play a part in these remaining games.

“Andrius was a great servant to this club. When you talk about someone who has that bond with the supporters, that was Andrius. He was respected by the supporters and rightly so, because he performed consistently for a number of years at this football club.

“I remember having conversations with Andrius when we signed Vytas and it shone through how much he still holds the club in high regard — and he’ll be looking out for the big man and hoping that he does well to allow us to kick on as a football club.”

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