No rest for goal hungry Gourlay

David Christie 1563 - 1563 • Published 17 Jun 2008 09:30

NEW signing Alan Gourlay expressed his delight at joining his hometown club - even if it does mean he won"t be getting a holiday.

The 23-year-old from Bellsmyre put pen to paper on a one year contract last week, having just completed a successful season with Vale of Leven Juniors.

But while the attack minded midfielder cannot wait to meet his new teammates when training starts this Saturday, Gourlay has been forced to accept his summer will not include any time for relaxation with the junior season finishing late.

The Vale - crowned Central District Division Two champions following the final league game on May 10 - were forced to wait almost a month before the Evening Times Cup Winners Cup first round clash with Stagecoach Premier champs Pollok.

He said: 'I was tempted to ask for a holiday but decided not to. Even when we had a month without a game, we were still training hard and preparing for the Pollok match. I don"t know if that will work for me in terms of fitness or if I"ll collapse!'

Sons boss Jim Chapman had been keeping tabs on the promising player, who scored three goals last season.

He finished the season playing in the hole behind the front two, scoring a double in one of two consecutive league 7-1 routs before lucking out on penalties against high-flying Pollok.

'The league we were in wasn"t great but the last three games shows you the standard we were up to,' added Gourlay. 'It let me see how I was doing and it gives me confidence to take into Dumbarton.

'I knew they had been watching me for a while so I am really pleased it has worked out. I have been concentrating on doing well with the Vale but I must admit knowing they were interested was always in the back of my mind.

'Once I spoke to Jim Chapman, the decision was a

no-brainer as he was so enthusiastic about the club"s aims. He is such a positive guy and that will rub off on the players. He wants us to go straight up, no mucking about so it is exciting times.'

Gourlay, who had spells with Rangers and St Mirren before opting to play at junior level last season, is the latest in a horde of Sons signings and the former Dumbarton Academy FP"s player is glad he won"t be the only one adjusting to a new club.

He said: 'I know Derek Carcary as he played for the Dumbarton Accies 21s side which my dad coaches. The club has signed a lot of new players which makes it a bit easier for me as I am not just the only new guy, walking into the dressing room. It will be important we all gel together quickly.

'And coming from Dumbarton means there is that bit more pressure on me. It can work for or against you but it gives me even more of an incentive to succeed.

'I know it will be a hard season but I will work hard in pre season and be prepared for it. My first goal is to get in the team then hopefully stay there. I know from people going along last season that they seemed to need a big change to turn things around. That has happened and now it is up to us to move the club up a level.'

Vale boss Hugh Hamill is not surprised Alan opted to make the step up. He said: 'The move was never in doubt as you just can"t knock that sort of offer back.'

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 16 Jun 08

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