Barrowman thanks Dundee after ‘worst week of life’

Barrowman was one of a clutch of heartbroken East End Park players to be shown the door at the crisis-hit club last week and admits he feared he wouldn’t kick another ball until next season at least.

But the big striker couldn’t believe his luck as he sealed a dream move to Brown’s Dundee just days after being thrown on to the soccer scrapheap amid brutal cost-cutting measures.

The 28-year-old described the awful events of last week as his worst nightmare but hopes to start a new chapter in his career having signed at Dens Park until the end of the season.

Barrowman said: “It’s a huge weight off my shoulders. Last week was the worst of my life. It was horrendous.

“I have seen other clubs go into administration and you think to yourself ‘that’s terrible’ but nothing prepares you for what it’s like.

“We were told at the start of last week that we’d be going into administration. The next bit of news was that we faced brutal cuts. We were told that before the Falkirk game, which wasn’t the best preparation.

“But that was nothing compared to Thursday when we were finally let go. Everyone was called into East End Park, Bryan Jackson spoke to us and explained the legal aspects of it.

“After that Jim Jefferies called out a list of names and that was the people who were being made redundant. It was horrible to hear your name being shouted out and my heart sank. After that we just had to go into another room, sign some forms and that was it.”

Barrowman, who played under Brown at Ibrox for the Rangers youth teams, has linked up again with his old mentor and admitted he owes him a debt of gratitude.

He said: “It’s a huge relief because I thought there was no chance I’d get another club for this season because of the transfer deadline but then got the special dispensation from Fifa.

“Dundee phoned on Friday night and I came up on Sunday to sign the papers. I had interest from elsewhere, including down in England, but I have decided to come here because I think it’s the best move.

“I’ve signed to the end of the season and it gives the club a chance to have a look at me. I’ll just do my best and then see if there’s a chance of extending it.

“I was a 15-year-old boy at Rangers when John was in charge of the youths. That was the last time I had spoken to him until we obviously met up again over the weekend so I owe him for getting me back in and just want to do the best possible for him and Dundee.”

Barrowman will never forget his old team-mates who were dumped by Dunfermline and is quick to wish those still at the cash-strapped Fifers all the best for the future.

He said: “It was really emotional having to say cheerio to the lads because we were a strong group.

“What has happened over the last few months brought everyone closer together.

“I don’t have a bad word to say about anyone at Dunfermline, except the hierarchy. But I won’t waste my time on them. I just want to wish the lads who are left and the club all the best.”

Brown hopes Barrowman can solved the goalscoring woes at Dundee, who remain rooted at the bottom of the SPL with 20 points and just 20 goals to their name so far this season.

He said: “I had Andy as a kid so know a bit about him. He can take the ball in and score goals as well so hopefully he’ll prove a good addition.

“We’ve lacked a cutting edge. We had chances on Saturday against Motherwell and not taken them. The other guys have had opportunities this season and not come up to the mark.

“Andy’s arrival will increase competition which is what every club wants.”