Tam McManus joins Falkirk, as Francis Dickoh settles at Hibs

Published on Friday 3 September 2010 14:52

Tam McManus has secured his return to Falkirk by penning a short-term deal with Steven Pressley's side. The 29-year-old striker, who had a brief spell under John Hughes at Westfield in 2006, has joined the First Division team until January 2011.

Glasgow-born McManus was on the look-out for his 11th club after his exit from Ayr United at the end of last season and the former Hibs and Colorado Rapids forward succeeded in impressing Pressley on trial. McManus, who had eight years at Easter Road making over 100 appearances, could now make his second Bairns debut at home to Queen of the South next Saturday.

Meanwhile, Francis Dickoh - Hibs' new signing from Utrecht - has revealed he was pleased to be going when the Dutch club were still on a high after their Europa Cup victory over Celtic.

After losing the first leg 2-0 in Glasgow, the Dutch side triumphed 4-0 at home to qualify for the group stages of the competition. According to the Ghana international, Celtic contributed to their own downfall. "I think Celtic came with a sloppy attitude, thinking that it was already done," Dickoh said. "Utrecht are still celebrating the win. It was a great win, especially when you have lost 2-0 away."

Dickoh knows a number of players with experience of Scottish football, including two fellow Ghanaians, former Hearts midfielder Laryea Kingston and current Dundee United player Prince Buaben. The man who had the biggest influence on his decision to join Hibs, however, was new team-mate Edwin de Graaf. "I knew Edwin from the Dutch competition, where I played against him numerous times, and I asked him about the club and the surroundings and he said 'thumbs up', so I went for it. It happened quickly. I heard the interest four or five days ago and, when the offer came, I jumped at it. It's a new challenge and I'm looking forward to it."