BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
CALLUM Fordyce will put nearly a season of frustration behind him and celebrate signing a new contract with Dunfermline when he lifts the League One trophy aloft this afternoon.
The former Livingston defender has been sidelined since September after sustaining a broken leg and dislocated ankle in a 2-0 home defeat to Ayr United.
However, as club captain, the 23-year-old will still get his hands on the silverware first after it was decided he and stand-in skipper Andy Geggan would simultaneously be presented with the trophy after today’s encounter with Peterhead.
It is recognition of the role played by Fordyce at the start of a campaign that turned into something of a personal nightmare for the stopper, but one to remember for everyone connected to the Pars.
He said: “I don’t think words can describe how frustrating it’s been for me.
“To start the season as well as I thought I was doing was great. The team was doing brilliantly and we were battering teams.
“I could only see the season going one way. I thought it would stay that way all season and it has.
“We’ve just progressed from the way we started the season and the boys have been brilliant.
“From a personal point of view, it was obviously frustrating getting injured. But that’s the career we choose and injuries happen in football.
“But the boys have been brilliant, they’ve played some great football. We said at the start that was the standards set for the season and we’ve continued that.
“Me and Geggs have spoken and it was the right thing to do. We’re both buzzing for it.
“Geggs has been terrific this season and it will be a great honour for both of us to lift the trophy together.”
Deal
Fordyce stepped up his bid for full fitness this week when he began running again and his target will be to make a playing comeback during pre-season.
It has been a long road to recovery but manager Allan Johnston’s desire to see him complete that journey was reflected in the club’s decision to given him a new three-month contract on Thursday – and the promise of a further nine months if everything goes well.
The powerful stopper admits that move will make today’s celebrations all the more palatable as the Fifers bring the curtain down on a memorable campaign with a party.
Fordyce added: “It’s been a tough year for myself, personally, but it’s really good to get a contract signed.
“I started running on Tuesday and I’ve been outside instead of on a treadmill. It felt really good, so that’s a bonus.
“It’s a case of taking small steps, but I’m confident I’ll be back fit soon.
“The trophy presentation will mean more knowing I’m staying for the start of next season. It always makes it a wee bit sweeter knowing you’ve signed a contract.
“Even if I hadn’t it would still be great to lift it, but to have that new deal in place is great.”
