REECE COLE joked that Joe Cardle might gain a big head if comparisons are made between the two’s popularity at East End.

But the former Pars hero did play his part in helping his old Partick Thistle pal decide on a return to Scotland with Dunfermline, with whom Cole “can’t wait to get started”.

The 23-year-old Londoner, a product of Brentford’s youth academy, made his debut against Stenhousemuir after signing a one-year contract last month, with an option for a further 12 months.

Most recently with Queens Park Rangers’ under-23s, Cole ventures back over the border having had a successful loan stint with the Jags during the 2019/20 campaign, when current Kelty Hearts star Cardle was a team-mate.

While the ambition of the club and manager Peter Grant played a big part in his decision, Cole said the winger had urged him to grab the opportunity. When it was put to him he’d be doing well if he was as big a favourite as Cardle was with the fans, the midfielder laughed: “I wouldn’t say that – his head will get much bigger!

“He reckons he’s a legend here, but whether the fans will agree with that...!

“He used to be here a few years ago so he knows quite a few of the backroom staff, and a few of the players that he’d played against so, when I spoke to him about it, he said just get it done as soon as possible.

“I think once I’d spoken to the manager, with the style of play that they want to play and the ambition of the club that you can see with all the news that’s come out (in relation to further investment), the club’s definitely going in the right direction.

“I felt I was playing my best football when I was at Partick and hopefully I can go from strength to strength here and see where we can go.

“Just getting a consistent run of games was good for me, and was what I needed. I was 21 when I first came up, so I just needed that consistent run of games in men’s football, and that desire to get three points on a Saturday.

“I felt like there was always going to be an opportunity to come back up to Scotland. I’m pleased it’s here, because the way the team plays it suits me, so hopefully we can make it a really good memory.”

In four cup matches, Dunfermline scored 13 goals, conceding five, and added two more at each end during Saturday's Championship opener at Morton.

Cole, who appeared from the bench at Cappielow for his second appearance in a Pars shirt, said he had other options in England but is convinced the team he has chosen have what it takes to be successful this season.

“From when I first came in, everyone’s been spot on,” he continued.

“It’s a really friendly club, which is what you want as a player, and the vibe is really good in training.

“This club, with the infrastructure that it’s got behind it and everything that’s going on behind the scenes, should be in the Premiership. That’s what we’ve got to aim for.

"I think all the boys are looking forward to it and can’t wait to get the season started.”