It has today been confirmed that Athletic midfielder Gary Mason has agreed to join St Mirren on a free transfer. The out of contract midfielder turned down the offer of a new three year deal at East End Park to sign on with Gus McPherson's side.
Gary was signed for Dunfermline by Jimmy Calderwood in December 2000 from Manchester City and worked his way into the team as the Pars finished 9th in the first season back in the SPL.
From then on, Gary became a mainstay in the team, with his combative performances in central midfield winning the acclaim of the four managers he played under as well as the supporters.
Gary scored 11 goals during his 7 years at East End, the most important of which was the one at Tannadice in 2005 to complete the Pars' Houdini escape act from relegation. His final appearance for the club was the 2-1 defeat in Inverness which saw the Fifers relegated, having been suspended for the Scottish Cup final.
All at DAFC will be sad to see Gary leave and we wish him well in his new career at Love Street.
Thursday, 28 June 2007
Monday, 18 June 2007
Tam McManus
Pars striker Tam McManus has today signed a 2 year contract to remain at East End Park to end speculation over his future.
Signed from Falkirk in February, Tam impressed the management and supporters with his wholehearted performances in Dunfermline's failed bid to avoid the drop and scored 2 goals in 7 games, vital winners against Dundee United and St Mirren.
Stephen Kenny spoke of his desire to keep him and will now be unleashed on First Division defences next season, despite reportedly interesting Kilmarnock, Dundee United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
A delighted Tam commented: "I am delighted to sign again for Dunfermline, the manager and fans made it an easy decision for me. They have been great ever since I arrived and I look forward to getting the club back to the SPL."
Director of football Jim Leishman said: "He showed at the end of last season what an important player he is for us."
Leishman also confirmed talks were still ongoing with other out of contract stars, including Gary Mason and Dorus De Vries.
Everyone at East End is delighted with this news about McManus. 'Mon the bam!
Signed from Falkirk in February, Tam impressed the management and supporters with his wholehearted performances in Dunfermline's failed bid to avoid the drop and scored 2 goals in 7 games, vital winners against Dundee United and St Mirren.
Stephen Kenny spoke of his desire to keep him and will now be unleashed on First Division defences next season, despite reportedly interesting Kilmarnock, Dundee United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
A delighted Tam commented: "I am delighted to sign again for Dunfermline, the manager and fans made it an easy decision for me. They have been great ever since I arrived and I look forward to getting the club back to the SPL."
Director of football Jim Leishman said: "He showed at the end of last season what an important player he is for us."
Leishman also confirmed talks were still ongoing with other out of contract stars, including Gary Mason and Dorus De Vries.
Everyone at East End is delighted with this news about McManus. 'Mon the bam!
Friday, 15 June 2007
Jamie McCunnie
Pars midfielder Jamie McCunnie has left East End Park to join English League One side Hartlepool United. The 24 year old had been reported to have agreed a new deal to stay with the Athletic but has instead joined Danny Wilson's side under freedom of contract. The news will be a blow to manager Stephen Kenny, who had been impressed with McCunnie's performances since claiming a midfield berth.
Speaking on his club's official website, Hartlepool manager Wilson said he was "delighted" to secure the former Scotland Under 21 captain.
"Jamie has a good pedigree coming from Dunfermline in the Scottish Premier League," he said.
"He's coming to us on the back of an excellent performance against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final where they were unlucky not to get anything from the game.
"The team didn't really do itself justice last season but Jamie came out of it with a lot of credit and we're delighted to get him signed up."
I'm sure everyone at Dunfermline Athletic would like to thank Jamie for his contribution to the Pars and would wish him every success with his new club.
Season 2007/2008 Fixtures
The fixture list for next season was announced on Thursday and Dunfermline open their First Division campaign with a first trip to New Douglas Park to play Hamilton Academical on Saturday August 4th. The first home match sees Second Division champions Morton visit East End Park, while there are big games away to Livingston on Sunday 19th August and at home to St Johnstone on Sunday September 2nd. Those matches are moved because of Dunfermline's UEFA Cup committments.
For Dunfermline's full fixture list, visit http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1049064,00.html or alternatively http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dunfermline_athletic/fixtures/default.stm
Speaking on his club's official website, Hartlepool manager Wilson said he was "delighted" to secure the former Scotland Under 21 captain.
"Jamie has a good pedigree coming from Dunfermline in the Scottish Premier League," he said.
"He's coming to us on the back of an excellent performance against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final where they were unlucky not to get anything from the game.
"The team didn't really do itself justice last season but Jamie came out of it with a lot of credit and we're delighted to get him signed up."
I'm sure everyone at Dunfermline Athletic would like to thank Jamie for his contribution to the Pars and would wish him every success with his new club.
Season 2007/2008 Fixtures
The fixture list for next season was announced on Thursday and Dunfermline open their First Division campaign with a first trip to New Douglas Park to play Hamilton Academical on Saturday August 4th. The first home match sees Second Division champions Morton visit East End Park, while there are big games away to Livingston on Sunday 19th August and at home to St Johnstone on Sunday September 2nd. Those matches are moved because of Dunfermline's UEFA Cup committments.
For Dunfermline's full fixture list, visit http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1049064,00.html or alternatively http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dunfermline_athletic/fixtures/default.stm
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Pars News update
New Contracts
With pre-season not too far away, manager Stephen Kenny has been busy trying to secure several out of contract stars on new contracts.
So far, Scott Morrison has agreed a new deal to stay at East End Park. He has penned a one year extension after battling back from a serious knee injury which kept him out of action for around a year.
Owen Morrison has also been offered a new contract, as has Gary Mason and Tam McManus, but none of the trio have committed yet. The management and fans alike are anxious Mason and McManus will stay, especially as they have been linked to Hibs and Dundee United respectively.
Another player out of contract is goalkeeper Dorus De Vries and although the Pars have offered an extension, it looks unlikely the Dutchman will stay as he is rumoured to be attracting interest from several clubs, including Hibs, Swansea City and Premiership Wigan.
It looks like a case of wait and see over the next week or two.
Pre-Season friendlies
Dunfermline have lined up some pre-season fixtures for East End Park in July. On the 24th, League Two play off winners Bristol Rovers pay a visit while on a Scottish tour, while on Thursday the 26th two time European Cup winners Nottingham Forest, including new signing Neil Lennon, take on the Athletic. A proposed friendly on the 21st with Sheffield United has now been cancelled, while we play a Manchester United XI on August 8th for Scott Thomson's testimonial.
More details on the pre-season schedule will follow.
Fixtures announcement
The new season's fixtures will be announced tomorrow at 10.00am and will be posted on the club's official website at http://www.dafc.co.uk/ and on the BBC Sport Scotland website.
With pre-season not too far away, manager Stephen Kenny has been busy trying to secure several out of contract stars on new contracts.
So far, Scott Morrison has agreed a new deal to stay at East End Park. He has penned a one year extension after battling back from a serious knee injury which kept him out of action for around a year.
Owen Morrison has also been offered a new contract, as has Gary Mason and Tam McManus, but none of the trio have committed yet. The management and fans alike are anxious Mason and McManus will stay, especially as they have been linked to Hibs and Dundee United respectively.
Another player out of contract is goalkeeper Dorus De Vries and although the Pars have offered an extension, it looks unlikely the Dutchman will stay as he is rumoured to be attracting interest from several clubs, including Hibs, Swansea City and Premiership Wigan.
It looks like a case of wait and see over the next week or two.
Pre-Season friendlies
Dunfermline have lined up some pre-season fixtures for East End Park in July. On the 24th, League Two play off winners Bristol Rovers pay a visit while on a Scottish tour, while on Thursday the 26th two time European Cup winners Nottingham Forest, including new signing Neil Lennon, take on the Athletic. A proposed friendly on the 21st with Sheffield United has now been cancelled, while we play a Manchester United XI on August 8th for Scott Thomson's testimonial.
More details on the pre-season schedule will follow.
Fixtures announcement
The new season's fixtures will be announced tomorrow at 10.00am and will be posted on the club's official website at http://www.dafc.co.uk/ and on the BBC Sport Scotland website.
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
Season 2006/2007 Review: July-December
The season has just finished and the disappointment and relegation and a Scottish Cup final defeat are still raw, but now is a time for reflection on a campaign which started badly, had the potential to be memorable but fell on the final furlong. Here's the story of season 2006/2007 for Dunfermline Athletic......
Part One: July-December
July
As is always the case with the start of pre-season, there is a lot of optimism around East End Park that the Pars could make a move away from the relegation battles which haunted them in the previous two seasons. Jim Leishman certainly shows positive signs as he makes some shrewd signings.
Goalkeeper Dorus De Vries is snapped up from Den Haag in Holland having impressed on the Pars tour there, while also joining the club are Liverpool youngster Callum Woods, striker Noel Whelan from Livingston and central defender Phil McGuire from Doncaster Rovers.
Leishman had spent the entire summer looking for Jim McIntyre to lead the Pars attack and finally secured his services from Dundee United . Unfortunately, he would be sidelined until January with a neck problem.
On their return home, the Pars play host to Gretna, Carlisle United, Osasuna and West Bromwich Albion in friendly matches. They lose to Gretna by 3-1, Carlisle claim a 2-0 win and John Hartson scores for the Baggies in their 1-0 success. Spaniards Osasuna are held in a game noteable for the appearance of Ivorian centre back Sol Bamba, who impresses sufficiently to earn a contract and cult status with the fans.
There is plenty of early optimism for the season opener with Scottish Cup holders Hearts at the end of July but the visitors take an early lead to dampen the Pars fans spirits. A Stephen Simmons equaliser gives Dunfermline hope, but a gilt edged chance missed by Freddie Daquin proves costly as Bruno Aguiar scores the winner for the Jambos from a hotly disputed free-kick.Andy Tod is sent off in a game where Pars fans felt cheated by the diving antics of the visiting players. A good performance in defeat, with plenty to look forward to.
But the game proves to be Whelan's only appearance for the club, lasting only 4 minutes before going off with a cruciate ligament injury.
August
The first game of the month sees Leishman's side travel across the Forth to take on Falkirk in the derby, but turn in a performance totally different to that against Hearts. The Pars didn't turn up and an early Darren Barr header won the game for the Bairns, who were unfortunate to only win by one goal.
There are more encouraging signs as Pars comeback to draw 1-1 with Rangers at home thanks to an Owen Morrison goal before holding Dundee United at Tannadice, with Mark Burchill missing an early penalty. A 1-0 defeat at Aberdeen is followed by a truely shambolic performance in the second round of the CIS Cup, where Ayr United take last year's beaten finalists all the way to penalties at Somerset Park. The Fifers hold their nerve to clinch a 7-6 spot kick win which was barely deserved.
As the transfer window comes to a close, Leishman pulls off what appeared to be a great piece of business as Stevie Crawford returned to East End from Aberdeen. After plenty of rumours the previous season about the possibilty of him returning, the Craw finally made it back after 2 years away. As Jim Hamilton, who Leishman had been chasing all summer, also signed from Motherwell, optimism was high that the Pars would soon climb the table, despite only claiming two points from their opening five games.
September
Kilmarnock are the visitors to East End on the 8th of September as the Pars secure their first league victory. In a game where the visitors played the better football and are ahead twice, Stevie Crawford's homecoming proves memorable as he fires home the winning the goal with four minutes remaining after Darren Young and Gary Mason had struck to counter goals from Danny Invincible and Gary Wales. Many fans wonder if manager Leishman shaving off his famous 'tache for Andy Tod's testimonial fund is the catalyst for the success.
The Pars, with Bamba outstanding, put in a good performance but go down 1-0 to the champions Celtic at Celtic Park before taking on St Mirren at home. The Buddies had started the season well and John Sutton gave them an early lead.But Dunfermline came roaring back and an excellent strike from Darren Young levelled the game before Crawford pounced on a St Mirren error to hammer home the winning goal with 14 minutes left. The hitman was already repaying the faith shown in him by Jim Leishman with 2 winning goals in 3 matches.
It was then on to Inverness and what transpired to be a thoroughly insipid game of football. Leishman's men looked like they had done enough to claim a share of the spoils but a deflected Ross Tokely shot deep into stoppage time condemned the Pars to their 4th away defeat of the season and leave them sitting in 10th spot in the EssPeeEll.
The team also exited the CIS Cup with a low key 2-0 defeat to Rangers after a really poor performance. The lack of enthusiasm for the tie was evidenced by the crowd, as only 5,702 bothered to turn out, one of the lowest crowds for a Pars home game with an Old Firm side.
October
After a break for Scotland's famous 1-0 win over France at Hampden and the 2-0 defeat in Ukraine, it was back to league business at Fir Park. Despite Crawford again netting, the Pars lost by two goals to one in a game where we performed poorly for the most part again.
But the following game against Hibernian was to prove quite significant.The Setanta cameras rolled into West Fife for the SPL's first Monday night live game and Hibs, under the leadership of Mark Proctor after Tony Mowbray departed for West Brom, simply demolished the hapless Pars, with Ivan Sproule tormentor in chief. He opened the scoring just before half time and ran the Pars ragged in the 2nd period as goals from Chris Killen then two late strikes from Abdessalam Benjelloun wrapped up a 4-0 win which certainly didn't flatter the Leith outfit.
Leishman and his team left the field to a chorus of boos and only days later, he resigned from his second term as manager of Dunfermline Athletic, with the club lying second bottom of the league. The search began in earnest for a new manager.
The Pars ended the month with a trip to Tynecastle, a notoriously difficult venue for the Fifers to take points from in recent years. There was dressing room unrest at Hearts before the game, with madcap owner Vladimir Romanov threatening to sell the team to "Kilmarnock or whoever will take them" if they didn't beat the Pars.
Sadly, he never carried out his threat as Dunfermline, under the stewardship of caretaker boss Craig Robertson, departed from Gorgie with a hard earned point. An early goal from Andrius Velicka should have saw the Jambos go on to win the game, but we fought hard and deservedly equalised through Jim Hamilton's first Pars goal into the second half.
An encouraging end to what had been a difficult month.
November
The hunt for the Pars new manager was well and truely on, with a variety of names including Bobby Williamson, Craig Brewster, John Robertson and Owen Coyle all linked with the job. As the board conducted their thorough search, matters on the field turned to the visit of the enemy Falkirk to Fife, who had started the season in fine form.
Infuriatingly for the home fans, the team turned in a performance even worse than that in the first game between the two sides at Grangemouth and were duly gubbed 3-0. Falkirk's on loan striker Anthony Stokes, who was proving to be a goalscoring sensation which would win him a transfer to Sunderland, scored a hat-trick after opening the scoring inside 40 seconds of the game starting. He added further strikes after the hour and with 9 minutes left to send the big away support home delirious and send a sorry Dunfermline outfit to the bottom of the league.
Robertson's final match in charge was against Rangers at Ibrox, and Dunfermline's winless record there since 1973 remained intact following a 2-0 defeat. However, there was a much improved performance from the capitulation against Falkirk and it took second half goals from Stevie Smith and Kris Boyd to win the game.
The day before that game was very significant however as it saw the announcement of the Pars new manager, and it was a surprising choice. Irishman Stephen Kenny, formely of Derry City, was announced as the new boss. His record in Irish football with Longford Town, Bohemians and Derry, in league and cup, was very impressive and first caught the eye in August as his Derry team took Gretna apart by 7-3 on aggregate in the UEFA Cup en route to the 1st round proper.
He was introduced to his new public before the match with Dundee United and settled into the stand for the game, which the Pars came from behind to win. Scoreless at half time, the new man went to the dressing room to speak to the players but they fell behind to a Barry Robson goal on 53 minutes. But late goals from Greg Shields and Gary Mason gave the Pars their 3rd league success of the season and ensured the likeable Irishman got off to a dream start.
Aberdeen were next up but the game ended in disappointment for Kenny, as his attack minded formation failed to pay off as Aberdeen hit the Pars with 3 sucker punch goals, all stemming from individual errors.
December
A bad start to the month saw Dunfermline crash 5-1 to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, despite Stevie Crawford netting a 12th minute equaliser. A bad day was made worse as Sol Bamba, on as a sub, was red carded for a push on Steven Naismith. Kenny admitted post match that he had perhaps gone "a bit too attacking" and paid the price.
The following day he was back in Ireland to lead Derry City into their FAI Cup final with St Patrick's Athletic at Lansdowne Road. In a thrilling contest, the Candystripes edged it by 4 goals to 3 after extra time to take the cup home to the Brandywell and provide Kenny with a fitting send off.
The gaffer knew he had to make changes and installed Declan Devine as first team coach. Declan had worked with Stephen for 2 years at Derry City and agreed to follow his former boss to Fife in a bid to revive the club's fortunes.
Some improvement was shown as Celtic were made to work hard for victory, winning by 2-1 as Stephen Simmons netted a consolation deep in injury time. Not for the first time during the season, Dunfermline played well but lacked a cutting edge up front.
Another addition to the backroom team was announced on the 12th of December as Colm O'Neill was appointed as Sports Scientist. The fitness, or lack of, was identified early on as a key problem by Stephen Kenny and he sought to get the team fitter by hiring Colm, changing training methods, changing eating habits and introducing regular swimming sessions and ice baths. As the weeks progressed, the change in the team's fitness was extraordinary.
An already crucial game followed the following week in Paisley, where the Pars played out a scoreless draw with St Mirren, recording only their second clean sheet of the season. A 3rd followed against Inverness at East End, in a game which the Pars dominated but couldn't breach a well marshalled visiting defence. Stevie Crawford harshly saw red for two bookings as frustration at not finding a winner got to the team.
Another home fixture on Boxing Day saw Motherwell rob us blind and escape with 3 points. The Pars created a barrowload of chances but, as would be the case for much of the season, simply could not stick the ball into the back of the net. Mark Fitzpatrick scored in the first half before a Scott McDonald breakaway with eleven minutes remaining won it for Motherwell. Jim Hamilton became the second Pars player to see red in as many games for a reckless elbow on Stephen Craigan.
The year ended with a trip to the capital to take on Hibs and despite playing well and holding out for an hour, a Chris Killen double including a penalty saw off the Pars challenge. As the last hours of 2006 ticked by, Dunfermline sat bottom of the league but the change in the style of play was evident, and the team were becoming much harder to beat. Despite being quite a few points adrift of St Mirren, the fans were still confident the team could turn it around.
Part One: July-December
July
As is always the case with the start of pre-season, there is a lot of optimism around East End Park that the Pars could make a move away from the relegation battles which haunted them in the previous two seasons. Jim Leishman certainly shows positive signs as he makes some shrewd signings.
Goalkeeper Dorus De Vries is snapped up from Den Haag in Holland having impressed on the Pars tour there, while also joining the club are Liverpool youngster Callum Woods, striker Noel Whelan from Livingston and central defender Phil McGuire from Doncaster Rovers.
Leishman had spent the entire summer looking for Jim McIntyre to lead the Pars attack and finally secured his services from Dundee United . Unfortunately, he would be sidelined until January with a neck problem.
On their return home, the Pars play host to Gretna, Carlisle United, Osasuna and West Bromwich Albion in friendly matches. They lose to Gretna by 3-1, Carlisle claim a 2-0 win and John Hartson scores for the Baggies in their 1-0 success. Spaniards Osasuna are held in a game noteable for the appearance of Ivorian centre back Sol Bamba, who impresses sufficiently to earn a contract and cult status with the fans.
There is plenty of early optimism for the season opener with Scottish Cup holders Hearts at the end of July but the visitors take an early lead to dampen the Pars fans spirits. A Stephen Simmons equaliser gives Dunfermline hope, but a gilt edged chance missed by Freddie Daquin proves costly as Bruno Aguiar scores the winner for the Jambos from a hotly disputed free-kick.Andy Tod is sent off in a game where Pars fans felt cheated by the diving antics of the visiting players. A good performance in defeat, with plenty to look forward to.
But the game proves to be Whelan's only appearance for the club, lasting only 4 minutes before going off with a cruciate ligament injury.
August
The first game of the month sees Leishman's side travel across the Forth to take on Falkirk in the derby, but turn in a performance totally different to that against Hearts. The Pars didn't turn up and an early Darren Barr header won the game for the Bairns, who were unfortunate to only win by one goal.
There are more encouraging signs as Pars comeback to draw 1-1 with Rangers at home thanks to an Owen Morrison goal before holding Dundee United at Tannadice, with Mark Burchill missing an early penalty. A 1-0 defeat at Aberdeen is followed by a truely shambolic performance in the second round of the CIS Cup, where Ayr United take last year's beaten finalists all the way to penalties at Somerset Park. The Fifers hold their nerve to clinch a 7-6 spot kick win which was barely deserved.
As the transfer window comes to a close, Leishman pulls off what appeared to be a great piece of business as Stevie Crawford returned to East End from Aberdeen. After plenty of rumours the previous season about the possibilty of him returning, the Craw finally made it back after 2 years away. As Jim Hamilton, who Leishman had been chasing all summer, also signed from Motherwell, optimism was high that the Pars would soon climb the table, despite only claiming two points from their opening five games.
September
Kilmarnock are the visitors to East End on the 8th of September as the Pars secure their first league victory. In a game where the visitors played the better football and are ahead twice, Stevie Crawford's homecoming proves memorable as he fires home the winning the goal with four minutes remaining after Darren Young and Gary Mason had struck to counter goals from Danny Invincible and Gary Wales. Many fans wonder if manager Leishman shaving off his famous 'tache for Andy Tod's testimonial fund is the catalyst for the success.
The Pars, with Bamba outstanding, put in a good performance but go down 1-0 to the champions Celtic at Celtic Park before taking on St Mirren at home. The Buddies had started the season well and John Sutton gave them an early lead.But Dunfermline came roaring back and an excellent strike from Darren Young levelled the game before Crawford pounced on a St Mirren error to hammer home the winning goal with 14 minutes left. The hitman was already repaying the faith shown in him by Jim Leishman with 2 winning goals in 3 matches.
It was then on to Inverness and what transpired to be a thoroughly insipid game of football. Leishman's men looked like they had done enough to claim a share of the spoils but a deflected Ross Tokely shot deep into stoppage time condemned the Pars to their 4th away defeat of the season and leave them sitting in 10th spot in the EssPeeEll.
The team also exited the CIS Cup with a low key 2-0 defeat to Rangers after a really poor performance. The lack of enthusiasm for the tie was evidenced by the crowd, as only 5,702 bothered to turn out, one of the lowest crowds for a Pars home game with an Old Firm side.
October
After a break for Scotland's famous 1-0 win over France at Hampden and the 2-0 defeat in Ukraine, it was back to league business at Fir Park. Despite Crawford again netting, the Pars lost by two goals to one in a game where we performed poorly for the most part again.
But the following game against Hibernian was to prove quite significant.The Setanta cameras rolled into West Fife for the SPL's first Monday night live game and Hibs, under the leadership of Mark Proctor after Tony Mowbray departed for West Brom, simply demolished the hapless Pars, with Ivan Sproule tormentor in chief. He opened the scoring just before half time and ran the Pars ragged in the 2nd period as goals from Chris Killen then two late strikes from Abdessalam Benjelloun wrapped up a 4-0 win which certainly didn't flatter the Leith outfit.
Leishman and his team left the field to a chorus of boos and only days later, he resigned from his second term as manager of Dunfermline Athletic, with the club lying second bottom of the league. The search began in earnest for a new manager.
The Pars ended the month with a trip to Tynecastle, a notoriously difficult venue for the Fifers to take points from in recent years. There was dressing room unrest at Hearts before the game, with madcap owner Vladimir Romanov threatening to sell the team to "Kilmarnock or whoever will take them" if they didn't beat the Pars.
Sadly, he never carried out his threat as Dunfermline, under the stewardship of caretaker boss Craig Robertson, departed from Gorgie with a hard earned point. An early goal from Andrius Velicka should have saw the Jambos go on to win the game, but we fought hard and deservedly equalised through Jim Hamilton's first Pars goal into the second half.
An encouraging end to what had been a difficult month.
November
The hunt for the Pars new manager was well and truely on, with a variety of names including Bobby Williamson, Craig Brewster, John Robertson and Owen Coyle all linked with the job. As the board conducted their thorough search, matters on the field turned to the visit of the enemy Falkirk to Fife, who had started the season in fine form.
Infuriatingly for the home fans, the team turned in a performance even worse than that in the first game between the two sides at Grangemouth and were duly gubbed 3-0. Falkirk's on loan striker Anthony Stokes, who was proving to be a goalscoring sensation which would win him a transfer to Sunderland, scored a hat-trick after opening the scoring inside 40 seconds of the game starting. He added further strikes after the hour and with 9 minutes left to send the big away support home delirious and send a sorry Dunfermline outfit to the bottom of the league.
Robertson's final match in charge was against Rangers at Ibrox, and Dunfermline's winless record there since 1973 remained intact following a 2-0 defeat. However, there was a much improved performance from the capitulation against Falkirk and it took second half goals from Stevie Smith and Kris Boyd to win the game.
The day before that game was very significant however as it saw the announcement of the Pars new manager, and it was a surprising choice. Irishman Stephen Kenny, formely of Derry City, was announced as the new boss. His record in Irish football with Longford Town, Bohemians and Derry, in league and cup, was very impressive and first caught the eye in August as his Derry team took Gretna apart by 7-3 on aggregate in the UEFA Cup en route to the 1st round proper.
He was introduced to his new public before the match with Dundee United and settled into the stand for the game, which the Pars came from behind to win. Scoreless at half time, the new man went to the dressing room to speak to the players but they fell behind to a Barry Robson goal on 53 minutes. But late goals from Greg Shields and Gary Mason gave the Pars their 3rd league success of the season and ensured the likeable Irishman got off to a dream start.
Aberdeen were next up but the game ended in disappointment for Kenny, as his attack minded formation failed to pay off as Aberdeen hit the Pars with 3 sucker punch goals, all stemming from individual errors.
December
A bad start to the month saw Dunfermline crash 5-1 to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, despite Stevie Crawford netting a 12th minute equaliser. A bad day was made worse as Sol Bamba, on as a sub, was red carded for a push on Steven Naismith. Kenny admitted post match that he had perhaps gone "a bit too attacking" and paid the price.
The following day he was back in Ireland to lead Derry City into their FAI Cup final with St Patrick's Athletic at Lansdowne Road. In a thrilling contest, the Candystripes edged it by 4 goals to 3 after extra time to take the cup home to the Brandywell and provide Kenny with a fitting send off.
The gaffer knew he had to make changes and installed Declan Devine as first team coach. Declan had worked with Stephen for 2 years at Derry City and agreed to follow his former boss to Fife in a bid to revive the club's fortunes.
Some improvement was shown as Celtic were made to work hard for victory, winning by 2-1 as Stephen Simmons netted a consolation deep in injury time. Not for the first time during the season, Dunfermline played well but lacked a cutting edge up front.
Another addition to the backroom team was announced on the 12th of December as Colm O'Neill was appointed as Sports Scientist. The fitness, or lack of, was identified early on as a key problem by Stephen Kenny and he sought to get the team fitter by hiring Colm, changing training methods, changing eating habits and introducing regular swimming sessions and ice baths. As the weeks progressed, the change in the team's fitness was extraordinary.
An already crucial game followed the following week in Paisley, where the Pars played out a scoreless draw with St Mirren, recording only their second clean sheet of the season. A 3rd followed against Inverness at East End, in a game which the Pars dominated but couldn't breach a well marshalled visiting defence. Stevie Crawford harshly saw red for two bookings as frustration at not finding a winner got to the team.
Another home fixture on Boxing Day saw Motherwell rob us blind and escape with 3 points. The Pars created a barrowload of chances but, as would be the case for much of the season, simply could not stick the ball into the back of the net. Mark Fitzpatrick scored in the first half before a Scott McDonald breakaway with eleven minutes remaining won it for Motherwell. Jim Hamilton became the second Pars player to see red in as many games for a reckless elbow on Stephen Craigan.
The year ended with a trip to the capital to take on Hibs and despite playing well and holding out for an hour, a Chris Killen double including a penalty saw off the Pars challenge. As the last hours of 2006 ticked by, Dunfermline sat bottom of the league but the change in the style of play was evident, and the team were becoming much harder to beat. Despite being quite a few points adrift of St Mirren, the fans were still confident the team could turn it around.
Friday, 1 June 2007
Season 2006/2007 Review: January-May
As we entered into 2007, Dunfermline sat at the bottom of the league with 14 points, and nine adrift of second bottom St Mirren. Many had the Athletic written off as relegation certainties but could the Pars come back from the brink? Here is part two of the Season Review.........
January
A New Year, but the same old story for the Pars as they go down to Hearts by a goal to nil at East End. Stephen Kenny's men once more played well in spells but simply couldn't put the ball into the back of the net. Mark Burchill having a perfectly good goal disallowed for a foul added to the fans misery.
It was evident that major surgery was required if the Pars were to have any chance of getting out of the mire and Kenny's first move was to bring Republic of Ireland under 19 international Jim O'Brien on loan from Celtic. The manager wanted to build a young and entertaining side and the fact O'Brien could play on the right side of midfield and up front would ensure he was a valuable signing.
His Pars debut was certainly a baptism of fire; a Scottish Cup 3rd Round clash with Rangers. The media gave the Pars absolutely no chance in the game. They were bottom of the league, hadn't scored a goal in5 games and had failed to score first in a game all season.
Paul Le Guen had also resigned and so it was assumed the Ibrox men would have an easy passage into Round Four.
But the Athletic hadn't read the script and secured a win which was just as famous as the 2-0 triumph over the same opposition in the cup in 1988. They ripped into the visitors from the start and burst the scoring first hoodoo as Jim Hamilton brilliantly volleyed the Pars ahead from 6 yards after 18 minutes.
The Pars dominated and it was soon 2-0 as Stephen Simmons swept home after an Owen Morrison cross caused havoc in the Rangers penalty area.
Amazingly, a minute into the second half it was 3-0 as Phil McGuire leapt like a salmon to majestically head past Allan McGregor. Hamilton then spurned a decent chance for 4-0 before Kris Boyd pulled one back. He then made it 3-2 with 20 minutes to go and although Barry Ferguson hit the bar late on, the Fifers held on for a famous and morale boosting victory.
The draw for the fourth round was made immediately after the match and the team's reward was another home tie, this time against the cup holders Hearts. Not the easiest of starts to a Scottish Cup campaign.
It was then announced that Noel Whelan had left the club following the injury picked up on the opening day of the season while Bobby Ryan, another midfielder, was brought in from Irish champions Shelbourne.
Ryan was handed his debut against Falkirk and in a truely awful game played in monsoon conditions, Dunfermline deserved a share of the spoils but Alan Gow raced clear 4 minutes into stoppage time and slammed the ball past the hopeless Roddy McKenzie at his near post to steal a victory for the Bairns. Certainly one of the most painful defeats of the season.
There was further movement on the transfer front as Liverpool youngster Adam Hammill arrived at East End Park on loan. The England under 19 International was brought in to give the Pars much needed width and skill on the left hand side. Little did the fans know what a good player had pitched up in West Fife.
Hammill made his debut in the league game with Rangers at East End Park but the Pars couldn't quite repeat their Scottish Cup exploits, despite another good performance. With Walter Smith now at the Ibrox helm, his team proved much more difficult to break down and Charlie Adam's early goal was enough to claim the three points.
Two more players arrived in the form of experienced midfielder Stephen Glass, on loan from Hibs, and defender Jamie Harris, signed from Shelbourne. Glass made his debut at Tannadice and performed well as Pars earned a point in a dull 0-0 draw.
January however brought some sad news as it was announced that Jimmy McConville, who had served with the club for 36 years, had died aged 91. Jimmy served as director, secretary and honorary secretary and DAFC hasn't known a greater servant. Truely sad news about a remarkable man and Pars legend.
February
Scottish Cup action resumed at the start of the month as Hearts rolled into town. A huge crowd of over 9,500 piled into East End to create a tremendous atmosphere and see a cup tie which failed to come into life until the second half, from which point it was real end to end stuff.
But one man stole the show, and that was young Adam Hammill. All afternoon he teased and completely tormented Hearts full back Karipidis to the point he was subbed, before going on to give his replacement the runaround. He created a gilt edged chance but there was no Pars player there to take it before tugging a good shot wide with 10 minutes left.
Scott Wilson had again performed heroically at the back and with the tie heading for a replay, the DA won a free-kick on the right hand side deep into injury time. Hammill swung the ball in and Wilson met it with a thumping header to send the Pars into the quarter finals amid scenes of absolute delirium. It was quite fitting that the best 2 players on the day combined for the winning goal.
While the cup form was excellent and exciting the fans, the league form was anything but as Dunfermline slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Pittodrie. It was Dunfermline's 9th league game without a goal, though the gap to St Mirren was now only 8 points.
The following week saw Dunfermline end that long barren spell as Crawford netted from the spot against Kilmarnock after Steven Naismith had opened the scoring. The Pars played against 10 men for the second half after Simon Ford was dismissed for a foul on Hammill which led to the penalty but the Athletic could not get a winner, which many fans thought would prove costly.
League form was once again put to the back of minds as Dunfermline geared up for their quarter final tie. They were at home to First Division Partick Thistle, the opponents when Dunfermline won the cup in 1968 and reached the final in 2004, both of which were at the same stage.
Many in the media were predicting Thistle would prove to be the banana skin for the Pars but Stephen Simmons early header eased the tension for the big and expectant home crowd. The Maryhill Magyars huffed and puffed but never threatened to blow the Fife house down and our semi final spot was secured with four minutes left as Simmons headed home an O'Brien cross.
Sadly for Simmons, he was booked for the second time in the competition for smoking an imaginary cigar in front of the travelling Weegie hordes and so missed out on the semi final. The draw was made after Celtic squeezed past Inverness Caley and saw Dunfermline drawn to take on Hibernian at Hampden. To reach the final, the Pars would certainly have had to do it the hard way.
March
The next league game brought disappointment, though not unexpected, as the team went down 2-1 at Celtic Park. But Adam Hammill enhanced his growing reputation by scoring a stunning goal from a full 30 yards out to give the loyal band of fans in Glasgow's East End some cheer.
The Celtic game was also noteable for the inclusion of striker Tam McManus on the subs bench. Released by Falkirk, Tam was offerred a deal until the end of the season after impressing Stephen Kenny in reserve outings. Numerous fans, myself included, questioned his signing but the boss once more showed what an astute man he is.
Focus then turned to Pars next home match, with St Mirren at East End Park. 9 points behind, Dunfermline knew victory would breathe new life into their survival bid and a tense, fraught encounter was anticipated.
With a point deemed a good result, Gus McPherson set his team up in a very defensive minded, counter attacking formation to frustrate the Pars, and it worked. Despite dominating the game and creating a few chances, Dunfermline couldn't stick the ball in the back of the net and the Paisley side held on for a scoreless draw. Many fans thought that our time in the SPL was up.
It was to Inverness, and Kenny handed McManus his full debut, partnering him with Jim McIntyre up front. Despite going behind to a goal from ex Cowdenbeath player Markus Paatelainen, Dunfermline roared back in the second half to record their first SPL win in 15 games.
A double from Stephen Glass and Jim McIntyre's first for the Athletic sealed a 3-1 victory, which closed the gap on St Mirren to 6 points.
Hopes were high that the Pars could gather a bit of momentum and travelled to Fir Park with confidence after the break for Scotland's EURO 2008 qualifiers. Despite a travelling support of around 1300 willing them on, the team didn't perform and the 'Well wrapped up a comfortable 2-0 victory. But April was to be a fantastic month.
April
As we entered into the business end of the season, Dunfermline had battles on two fronts. Not only was the survival bid still alive, we also had a place in the Scottish Cup final at stake and at the start of the month met Hibernian on successive weekends.
The first clash was a league game at East End, and it was a game the Pars totally dominated, spurning golden chances through McManus and McIntyre before Phil McGuire bulleted home a header from an Adam Hammill free-kick with six minutes remaining to win the game.
Hibs had been in poor form since their CIS Cup final triumph and reports of a players revolt after the game and dressing room anarchy became public knowledge. However, the magnitude of the victory could not be dismissed as Kenny's men warmed up for the semi final in terrific fashion.
Hampden was bathed in sunshine on April 15 as both teams took to the field, eager to book a final date with Celtic. The 25,000 plus crowd, including 7,500-8,000 Pars fans, were treated to an exciting game where both teams created chances. Jamie McCunnie hit the post for the Pars and Gary Mason fired a good effort over the bar in the second period. With Hibs rallying in the second half, the Pars had to hang on and in the end deserved a replay. Unfortunately, Scott Wilson was booked and would miss the return date at the National Stadium.
The Pars by now were playing some good football and results were finally starting to come good, and confidence was high ahead of in form Dundee United's visit in the first match after the split. Dunfermline completely dominated and Tam McManus' first goal for the club after a well worked move was enough for victory as United offerred little up front.
Despite the decision to stage the replay at Hampden with the same ticket prices, the Pars went in good heart and I was among the 8,500 crowd, around 2,500 were supporting the DA. We outsang the Hibs fans all evening and those of us who were there were treated to an enthralling cup tie. It was end to end, with both teams having efforts cleared off the line, goalmouth scrambles and fine goalkeeping.
But two fine pieces of individual skill won the game. Hammill, an ever present torment, turned Chris Hogg inside out and was felled in the box with three minutes left. Referee Craig Thomson was in no doubt and awarded a spot kick.
Jim McIntyre took responsibility and as the fans looked away and prayed, he stepped up and, cool as you like, chipped the ball straight down the middle to fire the Pars to the final and back into Europe. The celebrations at the end of the game were amazing as the fans hailed their black and white heroes. Stephen Kenny had led the team to the Scottish Cup final after only 5 months in charge. Legendary status was being achieved.
But the celebrations couldn't last for long as the following Monday, Dunfermline took on St Mirren at Love Street in their biggest game of the season. Four points seperated the teams and a win for the Pars would give them a huge chance to pull off the great escape with 3 games left. A draw would make it unlikely, and a Saints win would virtually condemn the Pars to the drop.
With so much at stake, a huge crowd of over 10,000, including 3,000 travelling fans, attended in spite of TV coverage to create a wonderful atmosphere inside the Paisley ground. The game was predictably nervy and low on quality but Dunfermline created the best chance of the first half, but Sol Bamba shot wide after a surging run forward.
But after the break, the visitors started to play football and took the game to Saints. McManus had the ball in the net but was ruled out for offside but a goal was coming and duly arrived on the hour. Scott Muirhead's shot was blocked into the path of McManus, who fired home to earn the team a priceless victory, and how they knew it. The gap had been closed to one point, and Dunfermline looked to have the kinder fixtures before the final day.
May
January
A New Year, but the same old story for the Pars as they go down to Hearts by a goal to nil at East End. Stephen Kenny's men once more played well in spells but simply couldn't put the ball into the back of the net. Mark Burchill having a perfectly good goal disallowed for a foul added to the fans misery.
It was evident that major surgery was required if the Pars were to have any chance of getting out of the mire and Kenny's first move was to bring Republic of Ireland under 19 international Jim O'Brien on loan from Celtic. The manager wanted to build a young and entertaining side and the fact O'Brien could play on the right side of midfield and up front would ensure he was a valuable signing.
His Pars debut was certainly a baptism of fire; a Scottish Cup 3rd Round clash with Rangers. The media gave the Pars absolutely no chance in the game. They were bottom of the league, hadn't scored a goal in5 games and had failed to score first in a game all season.
Paul Le Guen had also resigned and so it was assumed the Ibrox men would have an easy passage into Round Four.
But the Athletic hadn't read the script and secured a win which was just as famous as the 2-0 triumph over the same opposition in the cup in 1988. They ripped into the visitors from the start and burst the scoring first hoodoo as Jim Hamilton brilliantly volleyed the Pars ahead from 6 yards after 18 minutes.
The Pars dominated and it was soon 2-0 as Stephen Simmons swept home after an Owen Morrison cross caused havoc in the Rangers penalty area.
Amazingly, a minute into the second half it was 3-0 as Phil McGuire leapt like a salmon to majestically head past Allan McGregor. Hamilton then spurned a decent chance for 4-0 before Kris Boyd pulled one back. He then made it 3-2 with 20 minutes to go and although Barry Ferguson hit the bar late on, the Fifers held on for a famous and morale boosting victory.
The draw for the fourth round was made immediately after the match and the team's reward was another home tie, this time against the cup holders Hearts. Not the easiest of starts to a Scottish Cup campaign.
It was then announced that Noel Whelan had left the club following the injury picked up on the opening day of the season while Bobby Ryan, another midfielder, was brought in from Irish champions Shelbourne.
Ryan was handed his debut against Falkirk and in a truely awful game played in monsoon conditions, Dunfermline deserved a share of the spoils but Alan Gow raced clear 4 minutes into stoppage time and slammed the ball past the hopeless Roddy McKenzie at his near post to steal a victory for the Bairns. Certainly one of the most painful defeats of the season.
There was further movement on the transfer front as Liverpool youngster Adam Hammill arrived at East End Park on loan. The England under 19 International was brought in to give the Pars much needed width and skill on the left hand side. Little did the fans know what a good player had pitched up in West Fife.
Hammill made his debut in the league game with Rangers at East End Park but the Pars couldn't quite repeat their Scottish Cup exploits, despite another good performance. With Walter Smith now at the Ibrox helm, his team proved much more difficult to break down and Charlie Adam's early goal was enough to claim the three points.
Two more players arrived in the form of experienced midfielder Stephen Glass, on loan from Hibs, and defender Jamie Harris, signed from Shelbourne. Glass made his debut at Tannadice and performed well as Pars earned a point in a dull 0-0 draw.
January however brought some sad news as it was announced that Jimmy McConville, who had served with the club for 36 years, had died aged 91. Jimmy served as director, secretary and honorary secretary and DAFC hasn't known a greater servant. Truely sad news about a remarkable man and Pars legend.
February
Scottish Cup action resumed at the start of the month as Hearts rolled into town. A huge crowd of over 9,500 piled into East End to create a tremendous atmosphere and see a cup tie which failed to come into life until the second half, from which point it was real end to end stuff.
But one man stole the show, and that was young Adam Hammill. All afternoon he teased and completely tormented Hearts full back Karipidis to the point he was subbed, before going on to give his replacement the runaround. He created a gilt edged chance but there was no Pars player there to take it before tugging a good shot wide with 10 minutes left.
Scott Wilson had again performed heroically at the back and with the tie heading for a replay, the DA won a free-kick on the right hand side deep into injury time. Hammill swung the ball in and Wilson met it with a thumping header to send the Pars into the quarter finals amid scenes of absolute delirium. It was quite fitting that the best 2 players on the day combined for the winning goal.
While the cup form was excellent and exciting the fans, the league form was anything but as Dunfermline slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Pittodrie. It was Dunfermline's 9th league game without a goal, though the gap to St Mirren was now only 8 points.
The following week saw Dunfermline end that long barren spell as Crawford netted from the spot against Kilmarnock after Steven Naismith had opened the scoring. The Pars played against 10 men for the second half after Simon Ford was dismissed for a foul on Hammill which led to the penalty but the Athletic could not get a winner, which many fans thought would prove costly.
League form was once again put to the back of minds as Dunfermline geared up for their quarter final tie. They were at home to First Division Partick Thistle, the opponents when Dunfermline won the cup in 1968 and reached the final in 2004, both of which were at the same stage.
Many in the media were predicting Thistle would prove to be the banana skin for the Pars but Stephen Simmons early header eased the tension for the big and expectant home crowd. The Maryhill Magyars huffed and puffed but never threatened to blow the Fife house down and our semi final spot was secured with four minutes left as Simmons headed home an O'Brien cross.
Sadly for Simmons, he was booked for the second time in the competition for smoking an imaginary cigar in front of the travelling Weegie hordes and so missed out on the semi final. The draw was made after Celtic squeezed past Inverness Caley and saw Dunfermline drawn to take on Hibernian at Hampden. To reach the final, the Pars would certainly have had to do it the hard way.
March
The next league game brought disappointment, though not unexpected, as the team went down 2-1 at Celtic Park. But Adam Hammill enhanced his growing reputation by scoring a stunning goal from a full 30 yards out to give the loyal band of fans in Glasgow's East End some cheer.
The Celtic game was also noteable for the inclusion of striker Tam McManus on the subs bench. Released by Falkirk, Tam was offerred a deal until the end of the season after impressing Stephen Kenny in reserve outings. Numerous fans, myself included, questioned his signing but the boss once more showed what an astute man he is.
Focus then turned to Pars next home match, with St Mirren at East End Park. 9 points behind, Dunfermline knew victory would breathe new life into their survival bid and a tense, fraught encounter was anticipated.
With a point deemed a good result, Gus McPherson set his team up in a very defensive minded, counter attacking formation to frustrate the Pars, and it worked. Despite dominating the game and creating a few chances, Dunfermline couldn't stick the ball in the back of the net and the Paisley side held on for a scoreless draw. Many fans thought that our time in the SPL was up.
It was to Inverness, and Kenny handed McManus his full debut, partnering him with Jim McIntyre up front. Despite going behind to a goal from ex Cowdenbeath player Markus Paatelainen, Dunfermline roared back in the second half to record their first SPL win in 15 games.
A double from Stephen Glass and Jim McIntyre's first for the Athletic sealed a 3-1 victory, which closed the gap on St Mirren to 6 points.
Hopes were high that the Pars could gather a bit of momentum and travelled to Fir Park with confidence after the break for Scotland's EURO 2008 qualifiers. Despite a travelling support of around 1300 willing them on, the team didn't perform and the 'Well wrapped up a comfortable 2-0 victory. But April was to be a fantastic month.
April
As we entered into the business end of the season, Dunfermline had battles on two fronts. Not only was the survival bid still alive, we also had a place in the Scottish Cup final at stake and at the start of the month met Hibernian on successive weekends.
The first clash was a league game at East End, and it was a game the Pars totally dominated, spurning golden chances through McManus and McIntyre before Phil McGuire bulleted home a header from an Adam Hammill free-kick with six minutes remaining to win the game.
Hibs had been in poor form since their CIS Cup final triumph and reports of a players revolt after the game and dressing room anarchy became public knowledge. However, the magnitude of the victory could not be dismissed as Kenny's men warmed up for the semi final in terrific fashion.
Hampden was bathed in sunshine on April 15 as both teams took to the field, eager to book a final date with Celtic. The 25,000 plus crowd, including 7,500-8,000 Pars fans, were treated to an exciting game where both teams created chances. Jamie McCunnie hit the post for the Pars and Gary Mason fired a good effort over the bar in the second period. With Hibs rallying in the second half, the Pars had to hang on and in the end deserved a replay. Unfortunately, Scott Wilson was booked and would miss the return date at the National Stadium.
The Pars by now were playing some good football and results were finally starting to come good, and confidence was high ahead of in form Dundee United's visit in the first match after the split. Dunfermline completely dominated and Tam McManus' first goal for the club after a well worked move was enough for victory as United offerred little up front.
Despite the decision to stage the replay at Hampden with the same ticket prices, the Pars went in good heart and I was among the 8,500 crowd, around 2,500 were supporting the DA. We outsang the Hibs fans all evening and those of us who were there were treated to an enthralling cup tie. It was end to end, with both teams having efforts cleared off the line, goalmouth scrambles and fine goalkeeping.
But two fine pieces of individual skill won the game. Hammill, an ever present torment, turned Chris Hogg inside out and was felled in the box with three minutes left. Referee Craig Thomson was in no doubt and awarded a spot kick.
Jim McIntyre took responsibility and as the fans looked away and prayed, he stepped up and, cool as you like, chipped the ball straight down the middle to fire the Pars to the final and back into Europe. The celebrations at the end of the game were amazing as the fans hailed their black and white heroes. Stephen Kenny had led the team to the Scottish Cup final after only 5 months in charge. Legendary status was being achieved.
But the celebrations couldn't last for long as the following Monday, Dunfermline took on St Mirren at Love Street in their biggest game of the season. Four points seperated the teams and a win for the Pars would give them a huge chance to pull off the great escape with 3 games left. A draw would make it unlikely, and a Saints win would virtually condemn the Pars to the drop.
With so much at stake, a huge crowd of over 10,000, including 3,000 travelling fans, attended in spite of TV coverage to create a wonderful atmosphere inside the Paisley ground. The game was predictably nervy and low on quality but Dunfermline created the best chance of the first half, but Sol Bamba shot wide after a surging run forward.
But after the break, the visitors started to play football and took the game to Saints. McManus had the ball in the net but was ruled out for offside but a goal was coming and duly arrived on the hour. Scott Muirhead's shot was blocked into the path of McManus, who fired home to earn the team a priceless victory, and how they knew it. The gap had been closed to one point, and Dunfermline looked to have the kinder fixtures before the final day.
May
May saw the battle at the bottom heat up with just three minutes to go. As Dunfermline prepared to take on Motherwell at home in another Monday night clash, St Mirren journeyed to Tannadice to play Dundee United. The Pars fans thought Craig Levein's team could do them a favour but the Saints bounced back from their defeat to the Athletic in style by winning 2-0, increasing the gap again to four points and heaping the pressure back on the Fifers.
With victory essential, a large turnout of 6,500 Pars fans, including a pathetic 200 from Lanarkshire, witnessed Dunfermline's biggest win of the season and arguably their most impressive performance.
Jim O'Brien set the ball rolling after only six minutes as he rifled home an Adam Hammill cross at the back post for his first Pars goal. And 1-0 soon became 2-0 as Scott Wilson headed home from 8 yards.
The Pars were at times oozing class and made it 3-0 just after the break as Stephen Glass converted a penalty after a foul on Jim McIntyre. The game however exploded in controversy with 4 minutes to go as Wilson uppended Ross McCormack in the box. The referee said penalty and sent the defender packing for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Scott McDonald converted before getting himself sent off for a wild lunge on Scott Muirhead.
Although Jim Hamilton made it 4-1 in stoppage time, the red card to Wilson took the gloss off a polished performance while McDonald's red seemed like it could also have a costly effect going into the penultimate round of fixtures.
And so it was north to Inverness. For Dunfermline, the task was simple. Win and hope St Mirren slip up to have our destiny our in own hands going into the final day. A defeat was unthinkable while a draw might not be any use if St Mirren win. A day of high drama was anticipated and a large travelling support of around 1700 made the long trip to roar on their favourites.
Dunfermline certainly started well enough, and created chances through Adam Hammill and Tam McManus before taking the lead eight minutes before half time. A high ball from Mason was flicked on to Jim McIntyre, who volleyed home from just inside the area. Cue pandemonium in the away end, and that joy soon turned to euphoria as news came through that Motherwell were leading St Mirren.
Half time came and went and a minute into the second period, the word was that it was 2-0 at Fir Park. As things stood, Dunfermline would go into the final day 2 points clear of the Buddies. But as soon as John Sutton pulled a goal back for St Mirren, it started to go horribly wrong. Within 3 minutes ex Par Billy Mehmet had levelled the score, but the Pars knew victory would send them a point clear.
But it was not to be. With just 13 minutes left and the Athletic looking increasingly nervous, a free-kick was awarded to Inverness and though Hastings' shot was straight at Dorus De Vries, it slipped through his fingers and into the net. His only mistake of the season but it was huge.
And it got worse. With six minutes left, St Mirren had wormed their way ahead by 3-2 at Fir Park, so a draw now was no use to us. We had to go for it but sadly a McAllister shot was deflected by Bamba past De Vries as he tried to block and in, condemning the Pars to relegation.
It was such a cruel way to go and the fans and players reaction was of disbelief and sorrow. Kenny's men had given absolutely everything but just couldn't quite pull off the houdini act. It was a very long journey home back down the A9, but everyone had to try and lift themselves for the forthcoming Scottish Cup final.
But before then, arch rivals Falkirk visited in what was now a meaningless game and the atmosphere reflected that. The first half was a total non event, but Falkirk took charge in the second and dished out their second 3-0 beating to a shadow and completely uninterested team. Spirits were naturally low ahead of Hampden.
But as the week progressed, relegation was forgotten as the Pars fans began to get up for the cup. 15,500 fans journeyed to Hampden in hope that Stephen Kenny could mastermind yet another cup triumph and bring the famous trophy back to West Fife for the third time.
And, for much of the half, the Pars gave as good as they got. Though their best chance was through Mark Burchill early on, they restricted Celtic in terms of clear openings and were easily winning the midfield battle. Adam Hammill delighted the Fife contingent by lobbing the ball over Neil Lennon's head before racing away from him, just before the Celtic skipper was hooked.
This change however, coupled with the Pars tiredness and changes in personel, began to give the Hoops the upper hand and after Beattie missed a glorious chance, Perrier-Doumbe scored a scabby, toe poked goal with six minutes left to break Pars' hearts and give Celtic a cup win they barely deserved over 90 minutes.
And so the dream was ended, but Dunfermline to have UEFA Cup football to look forward to next season. A season which had so much promise and started badly came so close to ending in fairytale fashion. Ah well, there's always next year for fairytale endings.
The Pars will be back.
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