Pressley opts for Falkirk contract

Pressley said the quality of Falkirk's training facility in Stirling was the major factor in his decision and he is hopeful of enjoying the same rejuvenation as a player which his fellow veteran and former Scotland international Jackie McNamara has experienced at the club.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity," Pressley told The Scotsman. "I was very grateful to Inverness for the offer they made me, but I just felt the circumstances of the deal with Falkirk made it the right choice for me and my family.

"The training set-up Falkirk have is absolutely outstanding and I have been so impressed by the structure they have in place. I want to continue playing as long as possible and feel this is the right place for me to try and achieve that. Jackie McNamara told me he feels extremely fit and good about himself, he believes joining Falkirk can prolong his career.

"I always knew that I would only get a short-term contract in the first instance from any club I joined. It's all I would expect because I have to prove my fitness. I can't make any rash statements about extending it beyond the end of the season, but I have belief in my ability to keep playing beyond then."

Falkirk manager John Hughes is thrilled by the capture of the former Rangers, Dundee United, Hearts and Celtic defender, having said last week that the current financial climate would prevent him adding to his squad during the January transfer window.

"I have to thank the Falkirk board for making the budget available for Steven," said Hughes. "I'm delighted to sign a player I have admired for many years. His experience and leadership will help shift the responsibility off other players and will also help nurse the younger guys along."

The priority for Pressley will be to help Falkirk move away from the relegation zone of the SPL where they sit just one point ahead of bottom club Inverness. He is also savouring the prospect, however, of cup action on two fronts with his new club.

Falkirk face Rangers in the semi- finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup at the end of the month and are still in the Homecoming Scottish Cup where they face a fifth-round tie against Hearts, the club he captained for many years, at Tynecastle next month.

"The most important aspect for Falkirk is to improve the league position as soon as possible," added Pressley, "but it's also exciting to have the involvement in the two cup competitions.

Falkirk also have former Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper Dani Mallo on trial.

about extending it beyond the end of the season, but I have belief in my ability to keep playing beyond then."

Falkirk manager John Hughes is thrilled by the capture of the former Rangers, Dundee United, Hearts and Celtic defender, having said last week that the current financial climate would prevent him adding to his squad during the January transfer window.

"I'm absolutely delighted to get Steven in until the end of the season," said Hughes. "We were aware of his availability but we couldn't get the money to do anything.

"But I think getting through in the cup on Saturday helped a wee bit and credit to my board of directors for coming up with the finance and helping us to get him in.

"He's a player I have the greatest of respect for and his character and leadership qualities are exactly what I need at this time of the year.

"He has been a leader all his days and the big thing about Elvis is he'll help take the burden off some of the others at the club."

The priority for Pressley will be to help Falkirk move away from the relegation zone of the SPL where they sit just one point ahead of bottom club Inverness.

He is also savouring the prospect, however, of cup action on two fronts with his new club.

Falkirk face Rangers in the semi-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup at the end of the month and are still in the Homecoming Scottish Cup where they face a fifth-round tie against Hearts, the club Pressley captained with distinction for many years, at Tynecastle next month.

"The most important aspect for Falkirk is to improve the league position as soon as possible," said Pressley, "but it's also exciting to have the involvement in the two cup competitions.

"I hope that I can help. I've always been an admirer of John Hughes and his philosophy on football. There is a good blend of experienced players and exciting young talent at the club and I'm just delighted to become a part of it."

Falkirk also have former Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper Dani Mallo on trial. The 29-year-old is a free agent and would be a replacement for Scott Flinders who has returned to Crystal Palace after a loan spell at Falkirk.

"If he (Mallo] shows up well, we'll consider offering him a deal," said Hughes, who is seeking both cover and competition for current first- choice goalkeeper Robert Olejnik.

Taken from the Scotsman