Jamie Wilson joins Pars

Goalkeeper has become Dunfermline's first signing in the January transfer window

Sixteen year old goalkeeper Jamie Wilson has become Dunfermline's first signing in the January transfer window. Jamie joins the club from Rangers who he played for at Under 17 level.

Jamie started playing football for his hometown side Dunbar Colts and progressed into the South East Scotland regional squad. This attracted the attentions of scouts from Hibs and Aberdeen when he was only 14. At this point he tried youth football at Raith Rovers but didn't enjoy that and chose not to join them.

Then while still at Dunbar Colts, Rangers noticed him and a couple others in his team. After a five week trial Jamie was delighted to sign for the club he had always supported and signed at under 15 level. After two years he got a full time contract at Rangers in February 2013 but didn't enjoy not getting game time.

"All I wanted to do was to play football. Then I got a shout from Dunfermline through a friend who let Stephen Wright know that I was available. I came through for a trial and never left. I have enjoyed it so much and wanted to keep it going."

The former Dunbar Grammar School pupil who has been travelling through to training with Declan O'Kane from Longniddry, described Dunfermline Athletic as a family community:-

"Everybody is together, everybody is friendly and as one. What I like is that we are all part of a team and I have never had one bit of criticism since I have come here. Everything has been positive, feedback is positive with John Potter."

Since the keeper is not 17 until later this month, he can still play under 17 matches but he has his eye on the under 20s squad. He is not cup tied and so would be available to face Rangers in the Youth Cup tie due to be played at Ibrox on Sunday 23rd February.

"That would be a good test for me. I have played twice at Ibrox at under 15 level and it was a great experience."

His goalkeeping coaches at Rangers included Alan Main and Jim Stewart but Jamie feels that Dunfermline's goalie coach Brian Potter is the best of them all.

"I am not saying that because I am coming here. It is his attitude towards things - he is fun, he is energetic but at the same time he is serious and he gets things done. He is a scary guy as well and all the way through my time here he has been positive.

"I want to stay here as long as I can, hopefully make the first team and a career for myself. Ryan Goodfellow is a good lad, a great keeper as well and makes good competition. It is everybody's ambition to play football, so I hope to push him."