Falkirk 2 - 0 Hamilton: Bullen looks forward to further Falkirk cameos

Published on Sunday 22 November 2009 23:17

FALKIRK utility man Lee Bullen wants to play a vital part in the battle against relegation after scoring his first goal for the club in Saturday's important win over fellow strugglers Hamilton.

The 38-year-old looked to have reached the end of his playing career in the summer when new manager Eddie May handed him the role of reserve coach.

May had decided Bullen's playing days at the club were over, and that news came as a shock to the former Dunfermline and Sheffield Wednesday man.

But he was recalled as a substitute in the recent 3-3 draw with Celtic, such was the severity of the club's injury problems. Bullen again came off the bench at the weekend and, in a forward role, sealed Falkirk's first victory in the league this season to propel them to within a point of Hamilton and Kilmarnock at the foot of the table.

Bullen said: "That's my first goal for Falkirk and it's a nice one to get.

"We have been under pressure to get our first win of the season and I think we needed the second goal. I think I've got a bit to give on and off the park, especially with such a young squad.

"I don't know if I would be able to go out up front and start a match if I'm being honest. I don't think I would do myself or do the team justice.

"If I play a wee cameo, even a half now and then, I am happy to do that.

"I did not do a pre-season and taking over the coaching role of reserves and under-19s, that's my priority. The manager offered me a fantastic opportunity to go into the coaching side of things at the start of the season.

"Long-term that's the way I want to go although initially I was disappointed as I saw it as a year too early.

"I have enjoyed my roles with the 19s, they have been going great but you still hanker for pulling the boots on on a Saturday afternoon and I am lucky enough to get that opportunity."

After withstanding a dominant display from the visitors in the first half, defender Chris Mitchell gave Falkirk the lead in the 64th minute with a brilliant free-kick from the edge of the area. Substitute Bullen sealed the win 11 minutes from time after receiving Carl Finnigan's pass before blasting the ball beyond Tomas Cerny.

Bullen added: "It was crucial to get the three points, even a draw was not going to be a great bonus because potentially we could have come in at the end seven points behind Hamilton. We have done the easy bit getting back in among the pack, now the hard work begins."