ATHLETIC new boy Miles Welch-Hayes has joked that a former team-mate told him that he's "a legend" at East End after messaging him about his move.

The 27-year-old, who joined the club last week on loan from Livingston, said that "top guy" Josh Falkingham was the recipient of a picture of his home until the end of the season - who urged him to "ask them about me".

Falkingham remains a popular figure amongst supporters after a four-year spell with the club, which ended after they won the League One title in 2016.

He is now with Harrogate Town in his native Yorkshire, joining them in 2017, and has helped them to FA Trophy success at Wembley, and promotion to English Football League Two.

Dunfermline Press:

It was there that Welch-Hayes, who made his Dunfermline debut as a substitute in Friday night's win at Partick Thistle, played alongside Falkingham, and he said: "It is funny, I sent him a photo of the ground to show him that I was here.

"He said 'just ask them about me, I’m a legend'. He is a top guy, I get on with him really well. I have heard a lot of good things about him and he is obviously highly spoken of here and well respected."

Welch-Hayes began his career with hometown club, Oxford United, with whom he briefly encountered Pars striker, Alex Jakubiak, before going on to have permanent spells with Bath City, Macclesfield Town, Colchester United and Harrogate, who he joined in the summer of 2022.

Dunfermline Press: Miles Welch-Hayes made his debut at Partick Thistle on Friday.Miles Welch-Hayes made his debut at Partick Thistle on Friday. (Image: David Wardle.)

Twelve months later, he moved north of the border to sign for Livingston, but injuries have curtailed him to only three appearances for the Lions, with his debut coming in November.

"At the start of this season I got injured and, when I got back fit, I didn’t really get a chance," he continued.

"It will be good to get a run of games. It wasn’t a big injury, but I came back a bit too early so I did it again. It was quite frustrating as I had built my fitness back up only to get the same injury again.

"It’s good to get the move here. I have not played that much this season so I think it is a good opportunity for me to come and try to help the team and get some games. My agent and my Livingston gaffer told me that Dunfermline were interested so it was something I wanted to do. I’m looking forward to it.

"I just think that I need a run of games to get me going again and get me back enjoying football. Hopefully my loan here starts well and we can pick up some points.

"Since I heard about the loan coming up I have watched a few Dunfermline games. Hopefully I can knit in quick and help the team."