JAMES VINCENT has admitted that Willo Flood’s shock departure was a “blessing in disguise” for him as he sealed an East End return.

The 28-year-old, who arrived at Dunfermline in January on loan from Dundee until the end of last season, put pen to paper on a similar arrangement for the upcoming campaign on Tuesday.

Boss Allan Johnston moved quickly to fill the void left last week by former Dundee United midfielder Flood, who left the club just nine days after signing to pursue a move abroad with Indonesian outfit Bali United.

The Irishman’s abrupt u-turn paved the way for a thrilled Vincent to team-up once more with Athletic, who he said had been in discussions with him about a move since their play-off defeat at Tannadice.

“It’s something that’s been in the background probably since I finished last season,” he told Press Sport.

“It’s always been lingering there and everyone knows how much I enjoyed my time here. I’ve been speaking to Ross (McArthur, chairman) and the gaffer pretty much since the season ended.

“It was something that we tried to get done earlier than this but, for some reason or another, it didn’t quite happen as fast as I would’ve liked, but it is what it is and I’m just finally happy to be back.

“I understood that maybe Dunfermline couldn’t wait around all the time, which is why they moved on previously to sign Willo, but I was always in their minds and it was a blessing in disguise that didn’t happen and I got the chance.

“Finally the clubs agreed again, in terms of wages for the season, and I can come back here and hopefully hit the floor running.”

Vincent played 12 times for the Pars last term – only twice finishing on the losing side – and publicly stated that he would be keen on returning to the club if the option became available.

Although he had other offers, including from his native England, he continued: “I had a couple of offers, and a few things down south, but nothing that really appealed to me as much as Dunfermline.

“As I said, I did enjoy my time here last year. I came from a place at Dundee where I wasn’t really enjoying my football, which is difficult at times, and I came here and everything was a perfect fit for me.

“To enjoy your football, play well and win games is all you can ask for as a footballer; it will bring you on as a player and as a person, so I was delighted to get it done.

“You know when something’s right for you and when you feel wanted at a club; the gaffer’s been good to me, Sandy (Clark), everyone here. Obviously Potts (John Potter) has gone but he was brilliant for me last season and, as soon as I knew they were interested, I spoke to my agent and to my family.

“It was something I wanted to be part of.”

The central midfielder admitted losing out in the play-offs was a “cruel” way to end his first Athletic stint but he is adamant that they have what it takes to go one better this time around.

He added: “The play-offs can be cruel at times, and they were to us, but it’s about going one step better this time round, getting together, kicking on, seeing where we’re at at each stage of the season and trying to get that promotion.

“It’s going to be a strong league but it should bring out the best in all the boys. They shouldn’t be easy games and if we’re good enough – which I more than believe we are – then we should more than rise to the occasion and get the points on board.

“In terms of that, it’s going to be an enjoyable league to play in.”