Dallas: ‘image of the club sold the move’

Andy Dallas has nodded to the positivity and optimism around Rugby Park as one of the main factors that sold him on a deadline day move to Ayrshire.

Speaking to press for the first time since penning a season-long loan deal from Barnsley, the 24-year-old said: “Season tickets are up, and kit sales are up from last season too. Being an outsider looking in, it seems like a club going in the right direction. Everyone I’ve spoken to about the club and the manager has always been really positive: I’m just really excited about the move.

“It was obviously a bit hectic being the last few hours of the window, so I drove up overnight for the game against Ross County. I’ve had a bit more time to settle in now and I’m loving it.

“Growing up in Scotland, you always want to play in the top league and that was my debut in the Scottish Premiership. That’s something you always want to do as a young boy, so being able to do it now is a dream come true. I’ve not played in the league before and it’s another step in my development.

“I moved down to England at 19/20 and I’ve come up a different person, on and off the pitch. I’m confident that I’m able to make the step up. Everywhere I’ve gone I’ve scored goals, so why not do it here as well.

“It’s obviously a different animal playing against different opponents; guys that have been there and done it. I wouldn’t have taken this challenge unless I believed in myself, so that’s why I’m in the door. Hopefully when I get going I look back and think: what a great decision that was.”

You can listen to the full press conference – HERE.