Josh is Done Deal

Yorkshire terrier Josh Falkingham agrees to sign new contrasct at Dunfermline as Manager calls for his players to take the Club to a higher level together.

DAFC are delighted to announce that Josh Falkingham has today signed an extension to his contract until 31 May 2016. Josh's current deal was due to expire at the end of this current season and Jim Jefferies has persuaded the 23 year old midfielder that his best chance of returning to football on a higher stage is with Dunfermline Athletic. 

This very positive news on the eve of an important home game against fellow play off contenders Ayr United, follows agreements on contract extensions for Andy Geggan, Ryan Wallace,  Ryan Williamson, Lewis Martin and Shaun Byrne. 

Josh is pictured at East End Park this afternoon putting pen to paper.

DAFC Chairman, Bob Garmory again stressed that the Interim Board were only able to continue support to Jim Jefferies as a result of the success of the Centenary Club Lifeline. It is this regular monthly income which allows commitments to be made to our talented young players.

A delighted Jim Jefferies commented:-

"It has taken a few weeks, like most of these negotiations do.  You can't blame footballers for trying to better themselves. We dealt with the agent and there were one or two issues that we went back and forward with, which is normal practice. I think Josh realises that we all want to play at a higher level. There are plenty clubs at a higher level in the Championship but they are not bigger than us.

"This is potentially a Premier League club so if someone wants to play at a higher level - take us there. The Manager wants it, the background staff and the players want it, the Directors want it and most importantly so do the spectators want it.

"I think the fact that we have brought in Danny Grainger, Ross Forbes and Jonathan Page who have a bit of experience playing at a higher level has given everyone a lift and I think they feel now that if they can clinch this place then we have a reasonable chance. I think there is always that fear factor that if it doesn't go our way, and there are no guarantees, that they would then miss out on an opportunity of playing at a higher level.

"It was a case of crossing the "t's" and dotting the "I's" and sometimes it takes a wee bit longer to do that. We are glad that it is finally through and I think you may see Josh Falkingham getting a load off his mind.

"Josh has done well and played at a higher level but it didn't work out for him and he had to take a step back to come again.  He is only young and maybe it happened for him too soon which can sometimes be a bad thing as well but it is something that you learn from and then you can grasp the opportunity again.  There is no doubt that when he is at the top of his form and not just him, there are a few others, then Dunfermline is a very difficult side to play against.

"It will be a two year contract until 2016 and there are conditions built in that if we go higher then they get looked after, like most contracts are."

Josh has been a stalwart for the club in recent seasons.  The playmaker who previously played for St Johnstone and Arbroath, signed for the Pars in June 2012 and quickly became a fans favourite because of his tenacious performances.  After the club went into administration last April he was given the captain's armband at the age of 22 since he was one of the most senior players in the squad.