Dow happy to lend hand with youngsters
RYAN DOW insists he still feels like a youngster – but is happy to use his experience to help Dunfermline out of trouble.
The former Dundee United and Ross County midfielder is now 30 and is one of the oldest in the Pars squad.
Along with skipper Graham Dorrans, keeper Owain Fon Williams and defender Mark Connolly, manager John Hughes has spoken of Dow's knowhow being vital as the Fifers seek to move up the Championship and away from the relegation zone.
And, with bottom side Queen of the South the visitors this afternoon, Dow is determined to do anything he can to steer the East End Park youngsters through some difficult times after back-to-back 1-0 defeats.
He said: “I wouldn't say that I'm relishing being one of the older players. I sometimes forget that I'm not five years younger.
“I sometimes forget how long I have been playing, especially in comparison to the squad we have here.
“If you look at our starting 11 and, if you take out myself, Fonners, Conns and Dozz, it is a really young side. There will be some inconsistencies with that.
“So there are definitely moments in games when you will look to use your experience, and some of the younger players will be looking for us to lead by example in difficult moments.”
Dow made his United debut as an 18-year-old in 2010 and recalls the help he was given when things got tough.
He added: “Sean Dillon, John Rankin and Paul Paton were massive influences.
“If you were struggling they'd pull you aside and say, ‘listen, just do this or that for 10 minutes'.
“You don't always realise that when you're younger.
“It's always important to have those players who have been there and done it.”