Pool-Ing Power

Jan 13 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

Jamie: Wilson Offer Was Too Good To Snub

ON A bitterly cold day in Durham city centre Jamie McCunnie still has a warm glow as he emerges from the busy shopping precinct.

Seven months have passed since he slumped to his knees on the Hampden turf, a broken man.

He was about to pick up his Scottish Cup loser's medal after Dunfermline's agonising defeat by Celtic - just days after being relegated from the SPL.

Life couldn't have got much worse. But as Jamie strolls towards me in the town he now calls home he looks refreshed and re-invigorated.

Physically stronger too, a consequence of playing in England's tough League One with new club Hartlepool United.

After a traumatic two years at East End Park, McCunnie knew it was time to go. When Pars dithered over his contract Danny Wilson stepped in and gave the 24-year-old a new lease of life.

Jamie is enjoying his football again. After being hailed a hot prospect at Dundee United and named Scotland Under-21 captain his form suffered.

It cost him six months of his career when he left Ross County and could not find a club but the move to Victoria Park has put a spring in his step again.

And Jamie has urged more fed-up Scots to give England a try. Dons trio Barry Nicholson, Chris Clark and Michael Hart are all contemplating better deals south of the border and McCunnie can understand why.

He said: "I certainly needed a change. You know what it's like up the road, playing against the same teams and players four times a season.

"It got repetitive and boring. I wanted to play at different stadiums, against other players. I didn't want to leave it too late to try something new and regret it later in my career.

"The move has made me a better, stronger player.

"After the cup final Dunfermline wanted me to stay but took forever to get my contract written up.

"While on holiday I finally got a phone call to say it was ready to sign two days later. Then my agent called and said Hartlepool were interested.

"Dunfermline had taken long enough. The Pool chairman has an oil business in Aberdeen so he and Danny met me there and sold the club to me.

"I was so excited at the prospect of a change and p***ed off with Dunfermline for taking so long.

"I went to Hartlepool for a look and thought, why not? I was impressed with the manager and everyone at the club.

"Everything was done in two days whereas Pars took over two months.

"Of course it's nice to go to Ibrox and Parkhead but that only happens a few times a season and what about the other side of the coin?

"When crowds are low and it's the same opponents time and time again?

"Like me, maybe the Aberdeen boys just want a change of scenery. I know people are probably questioning them because Dons are in Europe but if you feel within yourself you need a change you have to go for it.

"They also have to think about the financial side. Anyone who says money isn't important is lying. These boys might be offered double or treble their wages so must consider it.

"It has definitely worked out for me. I've played in the SPL and First Division and felt it was time to get out and re-invent myself as a player.

"If the Aberdeen guys feel the same I can totally understand."

Hartlepool started the season on fire but injuries and a form blip means they are outside the play-off spots.

Despite a minor knee problem McCunnie has started 19 games already this season and is loving every minute of it.

With teams like Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Swansea vying for promotion it's a tight league but Jamie insists there's no pressure on Pool to go up.

He's adamant the relaxed atmosphere around the club can be the key to their success.

McCunnie said: "Because we have the 'big three' close to us - Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough - it's low-key and laid back.

"That doesn't mean we're happy in League One but we can try to make the Championship without big pressure.

"Danny's an ambitious boss and the chairman wants to go places. We have guys like Robbie Elliott and Ritchie Humphreys who have played at the highest level and we're confident of promotion.

"I'd like to stay for a few years because this experience has opened my eyes."

Jamie hopes Scotland hasn't forgotten him. He knows he let his game slip a couple of years ago but believes he is now finally fulfilling his potential.

He said: "This move has given me a new lease of life. I'm glad I did it and I'm only three hours from home.

"I had to prove myself again to the people in Scotland. I fell away for a while but it wasn't through a lack of effort, I just had a dip in form."