GLOWING references about Scottish football and positive reports from his gaffer at international level combined to help Tommy Fogarty make the move to the Pars.
And the 20-year-old on-loan Birmingham City centre back has said he is ready to build on his last temporary move and "keep improving" as he aims to make an impact at KDM Group East End Park.
Six-times capped Northern Ireland under-21 international Fogarty was announced as Dunfermline's third signing in four days on Sunday after agreeing a season-long switch from the West Midlands.
He was present for the match at Hamilton Academical the previous day but was unable to feature as Athletic failed to receive international clearance in time.
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Fogarty, however, played for the reserves in their win over Queen's Park on Tuesday and could make his top team bow this Saturday, when table-topping Ayr United visit.
It's his second loan spell away from Birmingham - whose head coach is Chris Davies, who previously worked with Celtic boss, Brendan Rodgers - after a stint with Vanarama National League side Ebbsfleet United earlier this year.
Speaking after his first taste of action in a black and white shirt, Fogarty explained: "I’m over the moon.
"As soon as I found out, really, that the club was interested in taking me for the season, I was really excited.
“Obviously, I know about the history of the club; it’s a massive club.
"I spoke to a few people who have played in this division and I’ve heard nothing but good things, really, so I’m ready to experience it myself.
"I spoke to a lad who was at Birmingham last season, Marcel Oakley. He played with Arbroath and Queen’s Park last season, and I spoke to a lad who played for my previous loan club, Ebbsfleet, as well, Rakish Bingham. He was at Dundee.
"They both said good things about the league, which really helped my decision and made it an easy one.
"They talked about how competitive the league is, how much it’ll suit me as a young defender trying to develop that part of my game, and really just that it’s growing in quality each year, which is obviously great to hear.
"I was obviously a bit disappointed not to be in the squad on Saturday. I think that was the plan, but the paperwork didn’t quite get done in time.
"But it gave me the chance to sit back and watch it and see how the team plays and stuff.
"It was a scrappy game, but I can definitely see myself in the team and hopefully improving the team."
He continued: "I spoke with the manager, Chris Davies. Obviously he’s experienced Scottish football at the top level.
"He had nothing but praise for it as well. He said the passion from the fans is probably second to none.
"He just wants me to come here and play my game and continue doing the stuff I was doing in pre-season.
"With the experience, he definitely thinks it’s a good move for me.
"I went to Austria with the first-team during pre-season and I played in some big games, against Rangers and teams like that.
"I think it definitely developed me. He’s a top coach and hopefully I can bring what I’ve learned from him to Dunfermline and help the team.
"I’m looking to build on my first loan, which was at the back end of last season and was a really good one.
“I’m hoping to take it up a level and keep improving."
If Fogarty is involved against the Honest Men, his next possible Pars involvement won't be until their next league game, the Fife derby against Raith Rovers, on September 13.
International commitments, in 2025 UEFA European Under-21s Championship qualifiers with England and Ukraine, will see him miss the SPFL Trust Trophy tie at East Fife on September 7.
Northern Ireland's side are bossed by ex-St Johnstone boss Wright who, with Pars assistant boss, Dave Mackay, as his captain, guided the Perth club to their first major honour when they won the 2014 Scottish Cup.
"He’s a different manager to what I’m used to, I think. He’s sort of old-school," Fogarty added.
"But the gaffer here tells me he gave me a great report when they were asking about me, which is always nice to hear, and he’s good to work with."
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