Following in the gloves of Great Grandfather
Saturday, 9th Jul 2022It is not just Andrew Tod who has family history with Dunfermline Athletic
Seventeen year old Calum Archibald is a local having attended primary school in Cairneyhill and Queen Anne High School.
He kicked off his football career at Cairneyhill 2004s before moving on to Rosyth where at the age of nine he was scouted by Fife Elite. Callum developed there for five or six years until it became Dunfermline Athletic culminating in signing on as a modern apprentice in June 2022.
Calum also participated in specialist goalkeeper training at J4K with the late John Ritchie. Calum attributes John as the main influence in turning him into the keeper that he is now.
To play in goals for Dunfermline Athletic is a greater ambition for Calum than most will realise since his great grandfather, Willie Archibald played in goal for the Pars in 1949. His Dunfermline born, predecessor had previously played with Partick Thistle and Stirling Albion and represented Scotland at junior level. Calum hopes to emulate Willie by gracing the East End Park turf and explained how he was introduced to training with the first team:-
“I started coming in to training for two mornings a week at the start of the year and I really enjoyed it. It was a big step up but I thought I dealt with it quite well. I have obviously impressed Greg Shields and others when I have been in to be given the chance to come in full time.”
The experiences on offer to young Calum were vast and varied with Welsh, Polish, Turkish and home grown coaches all with knowledge to pass on. Owain Fôn Williams, Jakub Stolarczyk, Deniz Mehmet and now Alan Main have all been influential in Calum’s schooling. As well as obvious goalkeeping tips, he has picked up previously uncharted things like mannerisms and how to be a professional:-
“Technical things and pointers, Fonners was really good for that. Alan Main is good, he is a character and a good coach. I have been working with Deniz as well he is another good influencer and does everything the right way.”
Calum was on the bench for the cinch Championship match at Inverness in March when Stolarczyk was away on international duty with Poland U21s and back up Neil Alexander had a testimonial match with Rangers. While delighted to be listed as a substitute he hid the apprehension that was disturbing his belly:
“I was told that I had to go on the bench. I was nervous especially when Deniz went down injured when he came out to clear a ball. It took me a minute to realise that John Hughes had already made five subs but I was absolutely shaking.”
Calum feels that has prepared him for when that might happen in future and really hopes to follow his great grandfather into playing for Dunfermline Athletic.
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