Bryan Back at Blue Brazil

Cowden fans were surprised and delighted to see an old favourite playing under the banner of ‘trialist’ in our last two games. The club is now pleased to confirm that Bryan Gilfillan rejoined Cowden after yesterday’s match v Stirling Albion. Bryan has signed on an amateur basis until the end of the season – the third time he has been signed by Cowden. Bryan (33) who now lives in Annan was keen to return and help lend his experience to the Blue Brazil cause once more. We offer him a very warm welcome back to Central Park.

Bryan is a local lad, from Cardenden originally. He was on the books of Inverness Caledonian before Keith Wright brought him to Central Park at the start of season 2003/04. He was an instant hit with his versatility and commitment making him a firm fan favourite. A driving midfielder or steely defender, Bryan also weighed in with some memorable goals – a winner v Gretna and an outrageous goal of the season effort from 40 yards v Stirling Albion come to mind. Big spending Gretna swooped on Cowden twice in season 2004/05 and paid fees to take both Bryan Gilfillan and Dene Shields to Raydale – much to the annoyance of the Cowden faithful – these being among the few meaningful transfer fees received by the Blue Brazil post-Bosman.

Bryan straight away made a big impact at Gretna, scoring on his debut and being capped by Northern Ireland at under-21 level (Bryan’s mother being born in Ulster). Eventually the Gretna bubble burst but Bryan went on to enjoy a long and successful career having now played more than 300 games in the Scottish League. He has played for Stranraer, Clyde and Airdrie as well as enjoying two spells with both Annan Athletic and Peterhead. His second spell at Cowdenbeath came late in season 2007/08 before he left to play down under with Sunshine Coast Fire. Bryan scored the only goal for ‘the Fire’ when they defeated Brisbane Strikers 1-0 in the Queensland State League grand final. More recently Bryan had a short spell as player/manager at Threave Rovers and also played with Penrith and Gretna 2008.