Pars told to beware return of Campbell clan
Published 26 Jul 2012 15:00
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Ex-Pars star Iain Campbell insists former gaffer Jim Jefferies better have his squad 'up for their work' when Dunfermline face Forfar in the Challenge Cup.
The left-back is preparing to come back and haunt his old team and old manager when the Pars travel to Station Park this Saturday.
The 27-year-old made more than 40 appearances for Dunfermline before leaving to sign for Jefferies at Kilmarnock.
With dad and former East End Park gaffer Dick now his manager at Forfar, both father and son have their eye on a cup shock this weekend.
Iain said, "It is always tough against a full-time team and especially a strong side like Dunfermline who have one of the top managers in the country.
"However, I strongly believe at home we can beat anyone. We have had a very good pre-season and I'm sure the gaffer will have us up for our work come 3pm on Saturday.
"My dad being the manager has it's positives and negatives but far more positives. I personally love it, enjoy his training and especially a Saturday. He makes sure we know when 'there is a time to work and a time to play'."
As a Dunfermline supporter the chance to work under Pars' managers Jimmy Calderwood, David Hay and Jim Leishman proved a dream come true.
"As a fan every time I wore the black and white shirt it was a proud moment. My first goal was very special for me. I scored a volley to equalise against Motherwell at Fir Park in a 3-2 victory (April 2006) that made sure of our Premier League status that season."
He was also part of the great escape the season before when Jim Leishman returned to lead the troops to safety.
"Beating Dundee at home 5-0 then the week after beating Dundee United at Tannadice 1-0 when Gary Mason scored, which all but kept us safe that season, was an incredible feeling.
"From my YTS days through to the first team, training with some cracking players day in, day out was great. There were so many characters and some great pranks played, especially on the kit man 'Mojo' (Mo Hutton) that I still laugh at to this day."
Campbell was signed for the Pars at under-14 level by John Ritchie and made his first start aged 19 during a 2-1 victory over Aberdeen in 2005. However, by the start of the 06-07 season the left back felt he needed to move on.
"I didn't start the first 4-5 games and clearly Jim Leishman didn't want me so when I heard Jim Jefferies at Kilmarnock was interested I thought a fresh challenge would push me on.
"I really enjoyed working with Jim and Billy Brown. They had a great side that year but it just did not materialise for me and to be honest I let Jim down which is a big regret of mine."
This article appeared in Dunfermline Press 26 Jul 12
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Jul 26, 20:52
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