The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Patience pays off as Vincent back at Pars
DUNFERMLINE: Boss says Dundee man was always his first midfield target
Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston insists the Pars’ patience paid off after sealing the signing of James Vincent on loan from Dundee.
The 28-year-old dazzled following his January arrival from the Dee last term, making 12 appearances as the Fifers secured a promotion play-off place.
Johnston made Vincent one of his top transfer priorities, beginning talks at the end of last term.
As the talks stalled, he turned his attention to former Dundee United captain Willo Flood.
However, after Flood ripped up his one-year deal, Johnston finally got his man.
“We’ve been speaking to James since the beginning of the season but because he’s not our player it was difficult,” said Johnston.
“We were dealing with Dundee, trying to sort something out, and it’s really good to finally get something done. Thankfully it’s worked out eventually.
“I thought he came in for the second half of last season and did really well.
“We told him that we wanted to sign him again, but it just dragged on.
“He really enjoyed his time here and, even when it looked as though he wasn’t We told James that we wanted to sign him again, but it just dragged on. ALLAN JOHNSTON going to sign, he kept in contact and made it clear that he wanted to come back.
“Thats what you want: people who are desperate to come to Dunfermline and be part of a successful team. Hopefully he picks up where he left off.”
Johnston admitted that Flood’s bizarre departure paved the way for Vincent’s return, but is adamant the ex-Inverness man was always his first midfield target.
The Irishman exercised an option to annul his deal just nine days into his contract in light of an offer from Indonesian side Bali United.
“We tried to get Vinny (Vincent) before we went for Willo Flood but it was proving difficult to get him in,” said Johnston. “We ended up going for Willo because of that.
“When Willo left, it created that opportunity for Vinny to come in and, after a bit more time passing, Dundee felt they were in a position to let him move on. Sometimes it’s all about timing.”
Vincent is, excluding Flood, Dunfermline’s eighth summer signing ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign. However, following the loss of Declan McManus and Nicky Clark, Johnston remains on the hunt for attacking reinforcements.
He added: “We have good competition for places in midfield. Now we need to find some more forward-thinking players, but everyone wants those.
“We’re working hard to get more folk in, especially those who can make a difference in the final third of the pitch, but sometimes you need to be a little patient.”