Dunfermline new boy warns Dundee clubs of challenge in Championship.

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Paul Paton insists Dunfermline can punch above their weight and give the big-budget Dundee clubs a run for their money in the Championship this season.

The midfielder left the Pars’ fierce rivals Falkirk last week to put pen to paper on a one-year deal at East End Park.

The 32-year-old former Queen’s Park, Partick Thistle, Dundee United and St Johnstone player is looking to add his experience to what is shaping up to be a young Dunfermline squad this season.

And he believes that although the two teams from the City of Discovery will be favourites to win promotion, Stevie Crawford’s men should not be discounted.

Paton said: “I had a contractual situation at Falkirk where if they got relegated my wages went down or I was free to leave. To be honest, I couldn’t have lived on the wages – they were near enough part-time wages.

“So it wasn’t until very recently when a couple of takeovers fell through at Falkirk I thought I would have to find something else. When I spoke to the manager (Crawford), I knew right away I had to come here.

“Having played for Falkirk, I know how good the Dunfermline fans are.

“I have played here in derbies and plenty of other times in my career.

“So I know the fans are ambitious and they are ones that can get behind us and help us have a good season.”

Paton insists he will give 100% for Dunfermline and while he hopes the punters will also be fully behind the team all season, he is happy to take the flak when necessary.

He added: “Last season was really tough being relegated with Falkirk but when you look at the standard of team in the league this year with the two Dundee clubs with big budgets...

“It will be a really hard league, let’s be honest but we have a lot of young boys in this team and I am here to help them on and off the pitch. If the fans are wanting to get on anyone’s back, then that’s why I am here. I am the experienced one, so I will take the flak.

“Dunfermline is a big club and should be aiming high but realistically the two Dundee clubs have very big budgets so it is going to be hard. But we want to compete with them, we want to be up there.

“From my own opinion before I have spoken to the manager about it, the play-offs are the ambition for most teams in the league then see what happens from there.

“But as I said when you have Dundee and Dundee United in the league with the money they can spend and boys they can bring in then it is always going to be tough. However, if we start off well and get the fans behind us which is a big thing, then you always have a chance.”

Former Birmingham City and Rangers defender Tom Lang is expected to sign for the Pars, though Clyde will demand a five-figure development fee.

Getty. Picture: Paul Paton is relishing life with Dunfermline after being released from his contract at rivals Falkirk.