Pars New Coach

Former Celtic and Falkirk coach, Jim Preston becomes the new Goalkeeping Coach at Dunfermline

Jim Preston is Dunfermline Athletic's new Goalkeeping Coach. He comes in on a part time basis having been youth team goalie coach at Celtic for three years and then seven years at Falkirk. His five years of SPL experience will be put to good use now for the Pars. Speaking exclusively to the website he explained the Bairns cut backs meant he was on the look out for a new challenge and he was delighted to become part of Jim McIntyre and Gerry McCabe's team:-

"I really only knew them from the opposing dug out but I am looking forward to this season. I spent the last year in the First Division but the Premier League is the one to be in. The First Division is going through some really difficult times just now and I think it will get worse rather than better." He described his career as a goalkeeper:-

"I started my career at Queens Park before moving to play in the A League in Australia in the 80's. After that I had six years in Hong Kong and finished up playing in the Conference in England with Bath City. I had a few years off then started coaching.

"The highlight was probably playing and living in Hong Kong, it was a great experience. Gordon McQueen and Derek Parlane were there at the time. The Dutch 1978 World Cup players the Van Der Kerkoff twins (Rene and Willy) and Arie Haan - they were household names then."

This season Jim hopes to help the Pars secure their SPL status.

"They belong in the SPL. With the players who are here we can do more than just stay in it. Paul Gallacher and Chris Smith will be great competition and of course I will work with the two under 19 goalies (Ryan Goodfellow and Steven Mayne). I have still to meet them but hopefully I will have a group of four and the two young kids will derive a great benefit working with Paul and Chris. It is the quickest way to learn.

"Everything takes time; I will have a look at them and keep working away. Footwork and different things. You look at starting positions, decision making, how they work with the back four and set pieces against them. You can get involved and help them out.

"Undoubtedly goalies need to be vocal and it makes the job so much easier. You can talk yourself making three or four less saves a game."

Chris Smith assumed the role last season bringing on both Kyle Allison and Greg Paterson latterly but unsurprisingly the new coach feels that professional football clubs need a goalkeeping coach:-

"There is no argument about it; the only thing it needs is the finances to do it. They should all have one. I will be in Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday but maybe that might change if there are midweek fixtures."