Bernard finds a club at last

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Feb 2, 2003

FORMER Scotland international and Aberdeen outcast Paul Bernard has landed a contract after two years in the wilderness.

Bernard has been given a lifeline by Paul Sturrock at Nationwide Second Division outfit Plymouth Argyle. "I didn't want Paul thinking he was a trialist," said Sturrock, who invited Bernard to Home Park in November on a non-contract basis.

"I've had a nightmare of a time since I left Aberdeen," said the Edinburgh-born midfielder.

Bernard, 30, who made over 100 appearances for Aberdeen, switchedto Pittodrie from Oldham Athletic in a (pounds) 1 million move in 1995. Former Aberdeen manager Ebbe Skovdahl showed him the exit door in April 2001. Bernard then had trials at Preston, Burnley and Queens Park Rangers. Since then Bernard's hell has focused on an Achilles tendon injury, that lead to surgery.

Bernard, who won two full caps, against Japan and Ecuador in 1995, said: "People in football forget you. But I have every confidence in myself, my ability, and the rest of my career."