Dorman: 'Don't bring me sunshine!'

Apr 30 2009 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN star Andy Dorman has revealed the secret behind his sensational form – Scotland’s rotten weather.

The midfielder yesterday collected the SPL Player of the Month Award for April – the second time he has won the prestigious honour this season.

And Dorman – who has netted four goals for the Buddies this month – reckons Scotland’s dreadful climate has helped him to turn on the style.

The 26-year-old, who signed for Saints from American side New England Revolution, told Express Sports: “I’ve been at St Mirren for a year and a half now and reckon I’ve become a far better player in that time.

“The coaches here are first class and have helped me to adapt from the American MLS game.

“Over there, the game is totally different due to the climate. Regular lung-bursting box-to-box runs are a non-starter. You have to choose when you’ll make your runs - and limit them!

“They play during the summer over there and the heat can be unbearable at times. Possession, therefore, is key.

“I love the Scottish climate. A lot of folk mock it but, to me, it’s perfect for playing football.

“Making late runs is a huge part of my game and the weather here allows me do just that, more or less for 90 minutes.

“Over in the States, it isn’t long before you’re feeling drained. That’s not the case in Scotland.

“The travel can also be quite demanding over there as clubs are spread to the four corners of the country.”

Dorman admits that being named SPL Player of the Month has given him a timely boost after the heartache of losing to Rangers in the Homecoming Scottish Cup semi-final last weekend.

And he is determined to maintain his fine form during May as the Buddies aim to seal SPL survival.

Dorman, who will celebrate his 27th birthday tomorrow, added: “I’m delighted to have picked up this award. Losing the Scottish Cup semi-final was really disappointing but this has lifted my spirits.

“I suppose it shows that I’m doing something right and, of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of all my team-mates.”

Dorman also took time out to defend Saints centre-half Will Haining, who has been criticised by Rangers midfielder Pedro Mendes for a 50-50 challenge made during Saturday’s cup clash at Hampden.

The Portuguese playmaker was stretchered off after colliding with Haining and has since described the tackle as “violent.”

But Dorman insists there was no malice in his team-mate’s challenge.

He said: “It was a semi-final and passions were running high and we shouldn’t forget that Will also picked up an injury in the collision.

“As far as I could see, both players were committed to challenging for the ball and the fact that they were both injured was unfortunate.

“It’s wrong to suggest that Scottish football is dirty. That’s certainly not the impression I’ve been given in the time I’ve been here.

“There are a lot of honest professionals over here making tackles and precious few are ever malicious.”