Former Rangers midfielder Graham Dorrans has returned to Scottish football with Dunfermline Athletic after a brief stint in Australia playing for Western Sydney Warriors – and the ex-Scotland star admits the chance to work with former coach Peter Grant again was a big part in his decision to join the Pars.
The former Rangers star headed to Australia after a stint with Dundee came to an end, heading Down Under to start a new life but homesickness brought it to a premature halt and leaving the midfielder on the lookout for a new club.
Stints training with Dundee and MK Dons saw Dorrans given a chance to keep his fitness up before agreeing to join the ambitious Fifers and head to East End Park.
“I spoke to the gaffer a couple of weeks ago and it took a bit of time for me to make my decision,” Dorrans said.
“I know how I like to play and that suits the gaffer here — and he suits me. Once we had the chat, I was just looking forward to coming in and getting started.
“I am delighted to get it done. I really enjoyed working with Peter when I was at West Brom and have met him a few times since, and even asked him for advice a few times. I like his coaching style, his work ethic and the standards he sets in training. That was a big part in me coming here.
“When you get to my age and the stage of my career, you look for certain options — and his style of play and coaching methods suit me down to the ground. I wanted to be involved. So, it is great for me to know exactly what I am coming in to.
“When I spoke to the chairman about his vision for the football club and trying to get it back into the Premiership, and the training ground and the facilities that are coming, it was great for me to get a two-year deal and be part of that future.”
There will be quite a few familiar faces for Dorrans at East End Park with former Ibrox colleagues Kai Kennedy and Rhys Breen also at Dunfermline while former Scotland team-mate Steven Whittaker is part of Grant’s coaching staff.
The Fifers clearly have big plans after coming under majority control of German consortium DAFC Fussball GmbH last week.
With a really good mix of youth and experience, Grant has built a good squad at Dunfermline since taking the reins earlier this summer and Dorrans will have a massive part to play if they are to reach the Premiership this season.
Dorrans could even get the chance to face his former Rangers teammates next month with the Light Blues hosting Dunfermline in the second round of the Premier Sports Cup on August 14/15.
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