Pars return ‘easy decision’ for Thomas

Dom Thomas admits being valued at Dunfermline during his loan spell made a permanent return an easy decision.

The winger left Kilmarnock for the Pars on a two-year deal last week and is keen to build on the eight Championship starts he made at the tail end of last season.

Thomas struggled to make an impact in his three years at Rugby Park, making a total of 37 appearances in-between being farmed out to Queen of the South, Dumbarton and the Fifers.

However, the 24-year-old believes he can become an integral part of Stevie Crawford’s side in the club’s quest to return to the Premiership after a nine-year absence.

He said: “I had a great time at Kilmarnock, it was another great club but I just felt that the time was right for me to move on in my career and go and try and be a big part of something.

“In the short spell I was here I felt a big part of the squad. It helps if you are on the park on a Saturday.

“Going forward I want to be a big part of the team and help the team and the club as much as possible.

“How well I got on with the manager was one of the major things as well. The way he wanted to play suited me, the way he coached and managed I felt brought me on as a player. “

Dunfermline were only three points adrift of the play-offs when the league was halted on March 13.

Crawford has already signed Steven Whittaker, Kevin O’hara, Declan Mcmanus and Paul Watson after the club released some 17 players.

Scotland Under-21 cap Thomas insists there is no reason why the Pars cannot be in promotion contention next term.

He added: “In football players move on, people come and go but we still have real good players.

“In the last week we have signed a couple of great signings.

“It is exciting times for me to be part of that and for the fans to see that.

“I think the manager and the chairman Ross (Mcarthur) are building a good squad to go ahead and challenge this year. We can maybe go one better.”