The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Devine has point to prove after Jags disappointment
Dunfermline new-boy Danny Devine concedes he arrives at East End Park with a point to prove after suffering the heartbreak of relegation with Partick Thistle last season.
Devine, 25, was among 16 players released by the Jags as manager Alan Archibald overhauls his squad in a bid to ensure they can challenge for an immediate return to the top-flight.
The former Inverness and Preston defender has wasted no time in finding new employers, putting pen to paper on a two-year contract with the Pars yesterday.
“I’ll have a point to prove after the disappointment of last season. In football, you always have a point to prove,” said Devine.
“You can’t live off the past, but that’s a challenge I am relishing.
“There were a lot of ups and downs at Partick, to say the least. It just goes to show how football can change in an instant, and it is about how you bounce back from the lows.
“You need to believe that there will always be something just around the corner to pick you back up again – joining Dunfermline is that for me”.
Devine revealed he sought the counsel of fellow Inverness Scottish Cup-winning hero James Vincent before committing to Dunfermline.
Vincent made 12 appearances for the Pars last season after joining the club on loan from Dundee in January - and Devine was left in no doubt that Fife would be a positive career move.
“I know James (Vincent), who was on loan here last season,” continued Devine.
“So I spoke to him and a few other boys about the club and everything I heard was really positive about the set-up, the stature and the way things are run.
“He really enjoyed his time here and assured me it was a good club and somewhere I would enjoy my football if that was the decision I made.
“I’ve no doubt that with the manager and the group of players here that we can be right up there challenging.”
Meanwhile, Dunfermline have confirmed the capture of former Dundee United defender Mark Durnan on a oneyear deal.
The 25-year-old, who worked with Pars boss Allan Johnston at Queen of the South, departs Tannadice after three years, making more than 100 appearances for the club.