Return to Austria

Pat views first trip to Obertraun as perfect preparation for life in the top flight.

Manager Jocky Scott took Pat Clarke on Dundee's 2009 pre season trip in Bramberg in the Tyrol area of Austria. He remembers the heat and the stormy weather that caused their match against Austrian side SV Hallwang to be cancelled. Pat was involved in the subsequent matches against German sides FC Augsburg and Borussia Munchengladbach, both of which ended in 2-0 defeats for the Dees.

Pat told the website:-

"It was an impressive place up in the mountains but the heat was incredible. These trips are good for team bonding though and Austria will let us get to know the new boys better. They are all good boys; we kind of semi know each other from playing against each other. Nobody has a problem with anybody new who has come in.. It should be good but tough mind you."

When just 18 Pat Clarke was handed a couple of appearances in the SPL by Dunfermline manager Jimmy Calderwood. Then he was just a youth team player but his showing against Dundee United and Rangers didn't stop him being freed at the end of that season. Now as he steps up to the SPL as one of the Championship winning squad Pat is full of enthusiasm for the season ahead.

"I can't wait. It is a big challenge obviously stepping up from the First Division to the SPL but it is one that I look forward to."

Pat scored the Pars first and last league goals of the 2010-11 season and everyone would be happy to see Pat get the Pars off the mark in the SPL when St Mirren are the visitors on Monday 25th July.

Pat Clarke scores at Falkirk on the opening day of the SFL season