Source: Team_Talk
Bullen relishing second chance
Bullen has come off the bench in Falkirk's last three games after manager Eddie May was hit by a spate of injuries, including long lay-offs for experienced pair Jackie McNamara and Burton O'Brien.[LNB]The versatile former Sheffield Wednesday skipper even scored during Falkirk's 2-0 victory over Hamilton, their first Scottish Premier League win of the season.[LNB]Bullen took on a coaching role in Falkirk's youth academy in the summer despite reservations over ending his playing career, but now he has the best of both worlds as he prepares for tomorrow's visit of Rangers.[LNB]"I said at the beginning of the season to the manager, 'you have given me a great opportunity but before I make the decision I feel it is maybe a year or two early'. I still felt I had something to offer.[LNB]"It was a big decision. Eddie said 'you will still be registered as a player and I may still need you but it's unlikely'.[LNB]"I took two or three days and I thought, I've done all my badges and want to go into coaching, do I pass up this opportunity and maybe not play as often and then next year the coaching opportunity is not there?[LNB]"As the season progressed I was getting involved in the coaching and I was really enjoying working with the youngsters.[LNB]"Then, out of the blue, injuries took their toll and I was given the chance to come back in.[LNB]"Now I'm a 38-year-old feeling like an 18-year-old again working with this young squad. It's great to be involved, I feel like the luckiest man in the world.[LNB]"I've got the best job in the world doing coaching, am back in the first team with a cameo role and I'm asked to go and do scouting missions."[LNB]Reminded about his powerful strike against Accies, he added: "And still scoring screamers! Some people said that was just a first touch that bounced in the top corner, but if that happens again, I'll take it."[LNB]Bullen, who has been playing up front, will face an even older opponent, 39-year-old Davie Weir, if he comes off the bench against Rangers.[LNB]"He is a credit to himself and the profession to be go on playing at the standard he has," Bullen said. "It would be great to play against the big fellow.[LNB]"But when you are on a football pitch you feel like an 18-year-old anyway, it's maybe the following day you feel your age."[LNB]May has praised Bullen's contribution on the park but feels he has had just as big an impact talking to his young team-mates.[LNB]"One or two were being too hard on themselves in terms of taking results literally and not looking at performances," Bullen said.[LNB]"We were playing well and not getting results. Young players tend to be too hard on themselves and hear the crowd a lot more and take things more personally.[LNB]"Older guys can move on while younger players tend to harbour stick."[LNB]Bullen's experience has been complemented by the arrival of Pedro Pele and Pedro Moutinho on short-term contracts, while French midfielder Toufik Zerara's international clearance should eventually come through next week.[LNB]And May will continue to add know-how if he is handed extra funds in January.[LNB]"I will bring in one younger guy who I have identified," May said.[LNB]"The rest of the guys will be experienced without being 38. It's about game-time rather than age."[LNB][LNB] Falkirk v Rangers. Click here to bet.
