Published: Friday, 22nd August, 2008 14:30
New striker says Pars need to strengthen
By Laura Cummings
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PARS hitman Graham Bayne says Athletic need some fresh faces if they are to maintain a title challenge this season.
Bayne's first goal for his new club in the 3-0 win at St Johnstone last week made it an excellent start to the season for Jim McIntyre's men.
But Bayne says everyone at East End is aware there's still a long way to go.
“The team is on a tight budget and it is so important that injuries, illness and suspensions do not have a bearing on the results," he said.
“Dunfermline have made no secret of it that they have made massive cutbacks in their playing personnel and off their wage budget, so it will have a slight detrimental effect with the size of the squad now.
"I think the manager is right in saying that he needs that wee extra back up to the players who are holding the jerseys just now.”
Bayne was delighted with the goal that opened his Pars account at McDiarmid Park, admitting it was “a bit of a collector's item”.
He said, “It’s always good to get your first goal. I caught it nice and it flew in but the result is down to sheer team work and hard work all over the park."
Failing to hit the net in a Pars strip during Dunfermline’s previous matches this season didn’t seem to bother the Pars new boy.
He explained, “It wasn’t bothering me that I hadn’t scored. I know what my strengths are and I believe I have been doing okay so far.
"The manager and my team mates have been happy with me so far, but obviously as a striker you try to score as many goals as you can. It was a nice feeling."
Along with Dunfermline, St Johnstone had been one of the teams interested in signing the forward during the summer, but Bayne believes his decision to come to East End was the right one.
"I made my decision based on a number of factors – family reasons and career reasons,” he explained.
“I think I have made the right decision. Training’s great and the boys have been absolutely first class and I am loving every minute of it.”
Bayne has teamed up well with his new striking partner, Andy Kirk, who he heaped praise upon.
He smiled, "He is magnificent, he makes me look good, his movement is first class, his pace is great, he is a goalscorer and great striker of the ball.
"I think we work well and work off each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
"I can pick things up from him and I’m sure he can feed off things from me as well.”
Although the Pars are sitting pretty in second spot just now, Bayne acknowledged, "I think everybody knows this is the hardest league in the country and has been for a number of years."
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Further Details
Pars rule out standing at East End Park