Dunfermline Athletic

Centenary Club meet the new players night!

Author: Jason Barber Date: Thursday, 23rd Feb 2006

Andy Campbell, Freddie Daquin, Scott Muirhead and Garðar Gunnlaugsson came along to the Kingdom Suite, along with assistant manager Craig Robertson and club chairman John Yorkston.

Scott Muirhead, the Paisley patter merchant!

The Kingdom Suite hosted the latest Centenary Club event, with four of the five new signings coming along for an informal chat with fans who came along on the night.

Stephen Simmons had given his apologies for not being able to attend, but the other four recent signings were present to chat about their first impressions of being at DAFC.

Centenary Club chairman Pete Campbell welcomed those present to the event, before handing the reigns over to Craig Robertson. Craig introduced each of the players and warned that Freddie Daquin`s grasp of English was actually better than Scott Muirheads!

Freddie Daquin is looking forward to full match fitness

John Yorkston then said a few words, reiterating the cash donations that the Centenary Club has made to DAFC since 1985. Thankfully, new members were signed up on the night to help the donations keep coming. Pictured are the three winners of Pars tops signed by the players who attended last night.

Once the buffet was digested, and wine continued to flow, the players were asked to go around the assembled supporters for an informal chat.

Moving swiftly on from Sunday`s game, the team selection for the next match against Dundee United was a hot topic of conversation.

Scott Muirhead again continued to state that he was "available to play if selected" Thankfully his injury received against Inverness Caley Thistle seems to have cleared up. Our old refereeing friend, Mr Winter, did not even give a free kick for the challenge made by Dods, though Scott confirmed that his shinguard had been burst open by Dods` high studs and had badly bruised his leg.

Freddie Daquin was given the hard task of understanding Fife speak around the room. Neil Farrell showed him pictures of his debut against Celtic on Sunday, whilst Freddie was keen to get an impression of how many fans Dunfermline would take to the cup final next month.

Mark Grieve gave Freddie a quick resume of the club`s history and managed to get across the feeling that it is a community club with generations of families having supported them through the years.

Ray Smillie spotted Andy Campbell`s brother, who was up visiting for a couple of days. Lo and behold, his appearances at Leyton Orient`s ground many years beforehand had rung a bell with Ray who was able to recall Campbell senior`s pro career!

As for Andy Campbell himself, he talked through his varied career to date. Having made his debut for Middlesboro at 16, under the leadership of Bryan Robson. Steve McLaren sold him onto Cardiff where he is forever a part of their folklore for scoring the winning goal in the play-off final.

When the new Cardiff manager came in (Dave Jones), he was told straight away, (along with a few other squad members), that he would never get a game and that he would be leaving the club. No explanation why, just that. He won 9 England Under-21 Caps, scoring three goals. Loves being here and says that the players have really helped him settle, but that there are still a few communication problems with the dialect, especially when things get heated. He rarely understands Andy Tod however!

Andy Campbell is learning Fife lingo with each passing week!

Garðar Gunnlaugsson seemed to be making quite an impression on the females who were attending the event, along with Freddie Daquin.

Garðar was there with a friend from his homeland, with both men being told of a few Iceland 2004 stories from the supporters they spoke to.

Craig Robertson was on fine form throughout the evening, basically desperate for the next match to come around. He also spoke of the 1991 League Cup final in which he played, though he is obviously hoping that history does not repeat itself this time.

All in all, a successful night which saw new members sign up to the Centenary Club, and the players hopefully made to feel welcome.

Thanks again to Craig, the players and the supporters who took the time to come along on Thursday night.



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