NEW signing Kyle Benedictus has revealed that he shunned interest from one of Athletic’s biggest rivals to make the move to East End.

The 30-year-old, who agreed a two-year deal with the club on Monday after deciding to leave Fife neighbours Raith Rovers, held talks with former boss John McGlynn over a move to Falkirk.

McGlynn left Kirkcaldy at the end of the season and took over at the Bairns, who the Pars will face in League One next season, and spoke to his former Rovers captain over the possibility of joining him.

Benedictus, however, elected to make the shorter journey along the A92 from Pratt Street to Halbeath Road and told Press Sport that manager James McPake, who he had played alongside at Dundee, was a big factor in his decision.

“At the end of last season, I probably had a funny feeling that it was time to try something new,” he explained.

“I spoke to John at Falkirk, and I wasn’t too sure, but then I met James.

“Since he was the manager at Dundee, I’ve played against him, and he’s spoken to me and texted me after games to tell me how well I had done. He also helped me when we were at Dundee, and Paul Hartley was the manager, and I was getting ready to move on.

“James was one of the ones who spoke to Paul to try to get him to keep me, because he felt there was something in me. Ever since that time, I’ve respected him.

“When he got the job here, I’ve not been off the phone to him through texts and stuff, so I came to meet him and, through all that, I just think it’s the right move for me.”

Benedictus, who also had offers from Championship clubs, spent seven years with Raith after moving to Stark’s Park from Dundee, and went on to become club captain.

He racked up 271 appearances with the club, winning the League One title in 2020 and two Challenge Cup winner’s medals in the process, but felt that the time was right to embrace a new challenge.

“I met John the week after the season had finished and I’ve got a lot of respect for him,” the centre back continued.

“He’s done a lot for Raith Rovers but he’s away at Falkirk now. I really enjoyed my time at Raith, and I’m not going to say any different because I’ve signed for the other side.

“But, in terms of a change for me, James is building something here and asked me to be a part of that, and I want to be a part of that.

“I wish Raith all the best. There’s still a lot of friends there, players and other people, who I’ll be in contact with for life.

“But, on the football side, I’m here to do my best for Dunfermline.

“I had offers in the Championship as well; it wasn’t about what league I was going to.

“I spoke to a couple of managers and I just felt this was the right move for me and my family.”

When asked about McPake’s desire to bring him to the club, Benedictus added: “When he got the job I congratulated him and told him I thought it was a really good job for him, and then he was asking what I was doing and could I come and meet him.

“I’ve had respect for him for a long time and just speaking to him and hearing his plans for the club, it’s the right place for me to be, and I’m delighted to be here.”