Dunfermline Home for Holmes

There was a bit of interest from a couple of clubs but when the 24 year old midfielder knew Jim McIntyre was interested then Dunfermline was the place he wanted to be.

New signing Graeme Holmes was very disappointed to be released from Dundee United by the then Manager, Gordon Chisholm but he accepts that you have to bounce back from these things.

"At the time I was extremely disappointed to be let go.Initially for the first couple of weeks I was released it was really hard but I'm lucky that my dad played football so he was able to get me lifted and obviously I got in at Airdrie.

"I was there for a couple of years.I was full time there. It was fine really although on saying that we never ever trained double sessions it was always single sessions because we wouldn't have lunch or anything like that on so we couldn't do double sessions, but it was full time though.

"I've played in the First Division for two years with Airdrie and I felt, especially in the first season that I did quite well. Hopefully with the Manager and new boys I can do quite well."

There was a bit of interest from a couple of clubs but when the 24 year old midfielder knew Jim McIntyre was interested then Dunfermline was the place he wanted to be:-

"I knew him from Dundee United and he was one of the older pros that you looked up to but he was a good player.I played with him a couple of times in the Reserves. He was great in training, great to play with, always helped the young boys and had a bit of banter as well.He was good for the young boys."

Macca's knowledge of Holmes from those days in Dundee created the interest in the player, he said:-

"With Graeme having been at Dundee United while I was there I knew all about his ability. But watching him play for Airdrie five times, including during the play-offs, it was clear how much he'd developed as a player.

"He is someone who really stamps his authority on games and, along with Steven, he'll add an energy to our play."

Holmes made his Dundee United debut at East End Park coming on with nine minutes remaining in the Scottish Cup Third Round tie on 10^th January 2004 that Dunfermline won thanks to two Stevie Crawford goals and one from Craig Brewster. He also made his SPL debut in the 1-1 draw against Dunfermline in April 2004.In total Holmes played in only four games for United with a total of 66 minutes on the park.He views his move to the Pars with much optimism for a brighter future:-

"It's a massive club to be coming here.It's a bit different to what I am used to, obviously with Airdrie we were trying to get promotion last year and the season before we were trying to avoid relegation. Hopefully I can come here and go up next season."