It is widely acknowledged that football can be a cruel business, and that is something Josh Falkingham knows all about after he had his dream of being a full-time pro cut short when he was released by St Johnstone two seasons ago.
The former Leeds United starlet then dropped down the divisions to go part-time with Arbroath.
The 22-year-old was a stand-out performer for the Angus outfit and when Dunfermline boss Jim Jefferies was looking to freshen up his squad in the summer, Falkingham was one of the first names on his shopping list.
Now, he is determined to repay that faith and to seize his second chance at full-time football with both hands.
And he is certainly well on target to achieve his aim, with a series of eye-catching displays since he joined the Pars, including against Montrose on Tuesday when he was instrumental in helping his side cruise to a 3-0 victory.
He said: ”I am just revelling in the opportunity the gaffer has given me, to come to a club like Dunfermline. When you look at the stadium and everything about the club, it is just great.
”I am enjoying every day being back in full-time football. I have gone out and been part-time so I appreciate it even more. I am just determined to kick on now and do as well as I can for Dunfermline.”
The first Dunfermline v Raith Rovers derby of the season takes place on Saturday and Leeds-born Falkingham admits he cannot wait to enjoy the unique atmosphere.
It is such a big game in his season, his family are coming up from England for the match.
He said: ”We had a bit of a setback in the Partick game but overall we have started the season fairly well. Now, I am really looking forward to the big derby game on Saturday.
”Hopefully, there will be a big crowd and this place will be really rocking. My mum, dad and brother are coming up for the game and they are all looking forward to it.
”I know there is a great rivalry between the two clubs and I have been told it was a sell-out here two seasons ago.
”So it would be superb to have another big crowd and to get another good performance under our belts. After the last two results, we will definitely approach the game with confidence.”
The Pars, unlike several SPL sides on Tuesday night, safely negotiated their way through to the next round of the League Cup against Montrose.
Falkingham says he would now like nothing better than to go on a good cup run for the first time in his career.
He said: ”It was a good result against Montrose. We had a bit of confidence coming into the game after the second-half performance against Airdrie United at the weekend.
”We just knew if we went about our work with the right attitude, the difference in leagues and standards would help us get a result.
”The gaffer was pleased with the result and we are in the next round of the cup. I have never really had a good cup run so, with a few SPL sides going out, it may be an opportunity for us.”
Photo David Wardle