Gallacher excited by return to Dunfermline

Paul Gallacher paid the price for Dunfermline's downfall when he was forced out of the club two years ago as the financial pain of life in the First Division told.

But the 31-year-old is thrilled to have returned to East End Park with a brighter future on the horizon as the Pars gear up for life back in the Premier League.

Gallacher was still under contract with the Fifers in 2009 when, as one of the higher earners, manager Jim McIntyre asked him to move on in a cost-saving measure. The Scotland cap went on to enjoy two years in the SPL with St Mirren but the Dunfermline fans' favourite kept his house in the town and jumped at the opportunity to return after the financial boost of promotion back to the top flight allowed McIntyre to target him again.

"There was a lot going on behind the scenes when I left the last time," he said. "Finances dictated they had to move a few boys on. I didn't leave on bad terms, I helped the club out, and I'm thankful and lucky that they've come back in for me again.

"I was gutted at the time, absolutely gutted, but it was just a football decision that had to be made.

"Thankfully St Mirren came in and I had a fantastic couple of years there. I got to the League Cup final in my first season there, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

"But I had a fantastic time at Dunfermline when I was here before and I'm looking to emulate that and maybe better it this year."

Gallacher is hopeful they can get off to a flying start after the fixture fates conspired to set up a meeting with St Mirren on the opening weekend of the campaign.

"It's ironic that it's St Mirren first up for us," he added. "I couldn't believe that. It's a massive fixture for us. First and foremost I hope I'm playing on the day because it will be a nice occasion. It's a game we're looking forward to and hopefully we can get off to a good start in the SPL."