DYLAN Lobban experienced “probably the worst day of my life” at East End Park but it didn’t stop him from agreeing to play there for the Pars on a season long loan.
The 20-year-old was in the Aberdeen side pumped 3-0 by Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup last season and, amid the crushing disappointment, the electric atmosphere in the stadium made a lasting impression.
Asked about the tie he grimaced: “I played 90 minutes in that game, it’s probably the worst day of my life!
“For the first 15 minutes, Aberdeen were on top but as soon as Dunfermline scored the atmosphere completely shifted and what a noise it was in the stadium.”
Asked if that helped him agree to the loan, Lobban admitted: “That was definitely in my mind when I heard of their interest.
“They’ve got a massive fan base, it’s always good to have a lot of fans at games to get you riled up, so it’s good.”
Lobban’s East End experiences didn’t get much better on Saturday as he came off the bench for his debut in the 2-1 defeat that saw Dunfermline exit the Premier Sports Cup.
The loan deal was only agreed the day before the match, he got to the ground at 2pm on Friday and didn’t even have a chance to train with his new team-mates before the match with Ross County.
Quick introductions were in order and he said: “I do know a few of the boys from the team from when I was younger and in previous Scotland camps.
“Also from playing against them, so they were not complete strangers.”
He admitted it had been “a little bit of a whirlwind” but added: “When I came onto the pitch I felt quite comfortable and there were always options when I had the ball which is always a good sign.
“Hopefully with a good week of training I can improve on that performance.”
The Dingwall side were deserved winners on Saturday and Lobban said: “Not the perfect way to make my debut but I’m glad I did.
“We know we can be a lot better in the future, we’ve got a good group and I’m just excited about what’s to come.
“We need to mourn it today and then move on.”
Lobban is highly rated at Pittodrie – he’s from the city, came through the academy and has extended his contract there - and there were some eyebrows raised that the Dons were willing to let him go out on loan.
He played 19 matches for Aberdeen last season, which he said was a “dream come true”, but was told chances would be limited in this campaign.
The possibility of a move to Dunfermline arose a week ago and Lobban said: “It’s a massive club, so I was buzzing.
“As soon as I was told they were interested it was a no-brainer really to come here and get as many games as I possibly can.
“Coming into pre-season I was just trying to do as best as I could, which I thought I did, to make a claim in the Aberdeen team.
“But I got told I wasn’t going to be first choice, the gaffer was honest with me and I don’t mind that.
“He’s also been full of praise for me at the same time and said coming here will be good for my development.”
Lobban came on for Shea Kearney with half an hour to go and, despite the defeat, caught the eye with his pace and energy.
He said: “I’ve obviously not watched a lot of Dunfermline but from what I hear and what I’ve seen we can be a lot better.
“It was very disappointing but we can build on that. It’s early in the season and we’ve got a really good group here.”
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