A Stevie Crawford double helped Dunfermline on their way to a comfortable pre-season victory over Third Division Dumbarton this afternoon. Futher goals from Scott Thomson, Owen Morrison and Jim Hamilton ensured the Pars racked up a convincing scoreline at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium.
Following the midweek win over Brechin, Stephen Kenny made six changes in order to keep players fresh and to give others some match practice. Sean Murdoch started in goal ahead of Roddy McKenzie, while Scott Wilson was rested in favour of fit again Jamie Harris. Morrison, Hamilton, Callum Woods and Scott Muirhead also landed starting berths.
Though the visitors started reasonably well it was the home side, with their first real attack, who opened the scoring. A through ball opened up a hesitant Dunfermline defence and David McFarlane placed the ball past Murdoch into the corner of the net.
The Sons went close again minutes later, with Murdoch producing an excellent save to deny a Tommy Coyne header. But the Athletic gradually started to come back into proceedings and equalised in the 34th minute. Scott Muirhead sent over a whipping cross and although Sons goalkeeper Peter Shaw saved Hamilton's header, he could only push it into the path of Thomson who had the simple task of tapping in from close range.
The Pars were by now getting into their stride and went ahead two minutes before the interval. Hamilton's pass sent Crawford in on the left hand side and he made absolutely no mistake from 15 yards out.
Greg Shields, Stephen Simmons and Nick Phinn all came on at half time and soon after the Pars were 3-1 ahead. A diagonal ball from Thomson found Owen Morrison on the left, who cut inside before firing in a beautiful goal into the top corner of the net.
Stephen Kenny's men were in cruise control by now and goal number four duly arrived with twenty minutes remaining. A delightful move saw Phinn and Thomson combine to play Shields in down the right, and the full back's cross found Crawford who tucked the ball into the net.
The one way traffic continued and there was one more goal for the travelling fans from Fife to cheer at the death. Dumbarton defender O'Byrne brought down sub Ian Williamson in the box and after a fight for the ball with Hamilton, the veteran stepped up and slotted the ball away to complete a resounding pre-season success.
Dunfermline team: Murdoch; Thomson, McGuire, Harris (Shields HT), Muirhead (Muir 65); Woods (Phinn HT), Young, Glass (Simmons HT), O.Morrison; Crawford (Williamson 75), Hamilton.
Sub not used: McKenzie.
Goals: Thomson (34), Crawford (43, 70), O.Morrison (54), Hamilton (Pen 88).
To view a full match report, visit the official website http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1076591,00.html
Saturday, 21 July 2007
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Pre-season fixtures
Here is a full list of Dunfermline's remaining pre-season fixtures:
Dumbarton V Dunfermline Athletic, Saturday July 21. Kick off 2pm.
Prices:
Adults- £6
Concessions- £3
Dunfermline Athletic V Bristol Rovers, Tuesday July 24. Kick off 7.30pm.
Prices:
Adults- £10
Concessions (Inc under 18s)- £5
Dunfermline Athletic V Nottingham Forest, Thursday July 26. Kick off 7.30pm.
Prices:
Adults-£10
Concessions (Inc under 18s)- £5
Linlthgow Rose V Dunfermline Athletic, Sunday July 29. Kick off 2.30pm.
Dumbarton V Dunfermline Athletic, Saturday July 21. Kick off 2pm.
Prices:
Adults- £6
Concessions- £3
Dunfermline Athletic V Bristol Rovers, Tuesday July 24. Kick off 7.30pm.
Prices:
Adults- £10
Concessions (Inc under 18s)- £5
Dunfermline Athletic V Nottingham Forest, Thursday July 26. Kick off 7.30pm.
Prices:
Adults-£10
Concessions (Inc under 18s)- £5
Linlthgow Rose V Dunfermline Athletic, Sunday July 29. Kick off 2.30pm.
Brechin City 1-3 Dunfermline Athletic
Dunfermline's pre-season matches commenced with a winning start against Second Division outfit Brechin City at Glebe Park on Tuesday evening. Goals from Mark Burchill, Stephen Simmons and Stephen Glass sealed a comfortable success as preparations are stepped up ahead of the First Division kick off at Hamilton on August 4th.
Manager Stephen Kenny named a strong line-up, with Kevin Harper making his debut. Slight injuries to Scott Morrison, Scott Muirhead and Jim McIntyre meant that they were not risked as Mark Burchill started up front alongside Stevie Crawford.
The home side started the match well, with Roddy McKenzie called into action early on to block a Chris Geddes effort. But the Pars gradually began to take control and though a Harper effort went high over the bar, they took the lead on the half hour mark.
A short free-kick from Simmons was played to Harper down the right, who crossed for Burchill to nod home from 8 yards. That should do the hitman's confidence the world of good following his barren season last term.
Dunfermline continued to press and 11 minutes later it was 2-0. Good play from Scott Thomson saw him lay the ball to Darren Young, whose cross was only partially cleared by the home defence. Burchill then played the ball back across goal and Simmons was there fire home.
And soon after the restart it was 3-0. Burchill and Harper were again involved, with the latter taking Burchill's pass and crossing for Glass to finish off. 2 assists on his debut suggests Harper could be a key man in the coming season.
Brechin though refused to give in and pulled one back on the hour mark as Darren Smith fired home past Roddy McKenzie in the Pars goal.
And that, barring a David White header going narrowly over for Brechin and Pars having a Crawford goal disallowed for an offside against Jim Hamilton, was that. A worthwhile workout for Kenny's team, who next venture to Dumbarton on Saturday.
To view a full match report, visit http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1074592,00.html
Pars team: McKenzie; Shields, Wilson, McGuire (Woods 69), Thomson; Harper (Williamson 60), Young (O.Morrison HT), Simmons, Glass (Phinn 88); Crawford, Burchill (Hamilton 64).
Sub not used: Murdoch (GK).
Manager Stephen Kenny named a strong line-up, with Kevin Harper making his debut. Slight injuries to Scott Morrison, Scott Muirhead and Jim McIntyre meant that they were not risked as Mark Burchill started up front alongside Stevie Crawford.
The home side started the match well, with Roddy McKenzie called into action early on to block a Chris Geddes effort. But the Pars gradually began to take control and though a Harper effort went high over the bar, they took the lead on the half hour mark.
A short free-kick from Simmons was played to Harper down the right, who crossed for Burchill to nod home from 8 yards. That should do the hitman's confidence the world of good following his barren season last term.
Dunfermline continued to press and 11 minutes later it was 2-0. Good play from Scott Thomson saw him lay the ball to Darren Young, whose cross was only partially cleared by the home defence. Burchill then played the ball back across goal and Simmons was there fire home.
And soon after the restart it was 3-0. Burchill and Harper were again involved, with the latter taking Burchill's pass and crossing for Glass to finish off. 2 assists on his debut suggests Harper could be a key man in the coming season.
Brechin though refused to give in and pulled one back on the hour mark as Darren Smith fired home past Roddy McKenzie in the Pars goal.
And that, barring a David White header going narrowly over for Brechin and Pars having a Crawford goal disallowed for an offside against Jim Hamilton, was that. A worthwhile workout for Kenny's team, who next venture to Dumbarton on Saturday.
To view a full match report, visit http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1074592,00.html
Pars team: McKenzie; Shields, Wilson, McGuire (Woods 69), Thomson; Harper (Williamson 60), Young (O.Morrison HT), Simmons, Glass (Phinn 88); Crawford, Burchill (Hamilton 64).
Sub not used: Murdoch (GK).
Stephen Glass
Stephen Kenny today completed his second summer signing as Hibernian midfielder Stephen Glass penned a 2 year contract. The former Aberdeen and Newcastle United star enjoyed a successful loan spell at East End Park during the second half of last season and the manager was always keen to bring him back to the club.
Dunfermline's relegation meant that a deal was in doubt with St Mirren also linked to the 31 year old, but after realising his chances at Easter Road would be limited, he has agreed on a return to Fife to aid the Pars quest for the First Division title and a crack at the UEFA Cup.
After Glass put pen to paper, Kenny commented: "I think Stephen is an excellent professional. He has a calming presence and very good vision as well as a good range of passing.
I think he will be an asset for the season ahead."
More on Glass' arrival can be found on the club's official website, by clicking on the following link.
http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1074324,00.html
Dunfermline's relegation meant that a deal was in doubt with St Mirren also linked to the 31 year old, but after realising his chances at Easter Road would be limited, he has agreed on a return to Fife to aid the Pars quest for the First Division title and a crack at the UEFA Cup.
After Glass put pen to paper, Kenny commented: "I think Stephen is an excellent professional. He has a calming presence and very good vision as well as a good range of passing.
I think he will be an asset for the season ahead."
More on Glass' arrival can be found on the club's official website, by clicking on the following link.
http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1074324,00.html
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
Andy Tod
Stalwart defender/striker Sir Andrew Tod of Kelty has signed a one year contract with Fife rivals Raith Rovers following his release from East End Park. Rovers boss John McGlynn sees the 35 year old as a key man as he attempts to guide the Kirkcaldy outfit out of the Second Division next season.
A clearly delighted wee team boss said: "We have been tracking Andy for some time and I know the signing will be worth waiting for.
"Andy brings vast experience to the football club as he has played at the highest level consistently for years both in Scotland and England. I feel Andy can play a big part in our promotion push."
The man known as the Todalinho joined Dunfermline from junior side Kelty Hearts in 1993 as a striker, and became known for his scoring prowess from the bench as he netted 13 goals as the Pars missed out on promotion by one point.
The following season saw the big man deployed as a centre back alongside Norrie McCathie and made 35 league appearances as the Pars again missed out on the title, this time to Raith.
He had made the number 5 jersey his own and helped enormously to help keep it, and the team, together following the tragic passing of Norrie in 1996. He performed heroically with his team-mates, most notably at Tannadice in April, as Dunfermline secured the title at long last. He also scored one of the Pars most memorable goals of that season, an overhead kick to put Dunfermline 3-2 ahead at Dens Park in a game we won 4-2 having been 2-0 down to Dundee.
He carried on his good performances in the Premier League, as Dunfermline survived two seasons before going back down in 1999, after Bert Paton resigned. Dick Campbell installed Toddy as skipper but after Campbell's departure and the arrival of Jimmy Calderwood, Toddy found his chances much more limited.
He was sent on loan to Stockport County in 2000, having made 234 appearances and scoring 38 goals. From there he moved to Bradford City, before loan spells were enjoyed at Dundee United and Hearts before Calderwood, realising how useful a player Toddy was, swooped to re-sign him in 2003.
He made his second Pars debut in a 0-0 draw with Celtic, with Andy absolutely outstanding in snuffing out Henrik Larsson. He made 26 starts and 10 sub appearances that season, including a run out at the Scottish Cup final.
The following season saw Davie Hay take charge and Andy was more often than not deployed as a centre forward, including the 2-2 draw against FH Hafnarfjordour, Dunfermline's first European game in just over 30 years.
As Hay's side stumbled from one farce to the next, Andy emerged as the team's chief goalscoring threat, and ended up as top scorer with 7 goals. He was robbed of a hat-trick against Dundee on New Year's Day by a Dundee player touching a header into the net for him.
Season 2005/2006 saw him remain a key member of the squad, this time under Jim Leishman, and he made 25 appearances but the following season saw him slip further down the pecking order, and after Stephen Kenny arrived, it was clear he was not in his plans.
Towards the end of the season, he was awarded a testimonial for his service to the club, which spanned 11 years over two spells. The Dunfermline V Andy Tod select game was a great spectacle, and it was of course fitting that he should score in the select's 4-1 win.
The select team, full of former Pars starts, managed by the legendary Bert Paton and Dick Campbell and with other famous faces like Ally McCoist, all helped pay a fitting tribute to a man who had done so much for the club he loved.
Andy's last appearance for the Pars was as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat at Easter Road on December 30th 2006. He made 383 appearances for Dunfermline, scoring 50 goals. Not a bad record for a striker cum defender!
The Todalinho was the last of the famous 1995/96 team left at East End, so it truely is the end of an era. He always had time for the fans, and his commitment and passion for Dunfermline Athletic was there for all to see. My favourite memory of him was scoring that goal at Dens Park, while another would be opening the scoring in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Rangers in 2005. But there are equally important goalline clearances, clearing headers or last ditch tackles I have forgotten about.
He was a great servant to the club and a very good player for us, but he will always be remembered fondly by the fans. Though we generally don't want the Wee Team to do well, I and I'm sure all other fans, will wish him well at Stark's Park.
Long live Toddy!
A clearly delighted wee team boss said: "We have been tracking Andy for some time and I know the signing will be worth waiting for.
"Andy brings vast experience to the football club as he has played at the highest level consistently for years both in Scotland and England. I feel Andy can play a big part in our promotion push."
The man known as the Todalinho joined Dunfermline from junior side Kelty Hearts in 1993 as a striker, and became known for his scoring prowess from the bench as he netted 13 goals as the Pars missed out on promotion by one point.
The following season saw the big man deployed as a centre back alongside Norrie McCathie and made 35 league appearances as the Pars again missed out on the title, this time to Raith.
He had made the number 5 jersey his own and helped enormously to help keep it, and the team, together following the tragic passing of Norrie in 1996. He performed heroically with his team-mates, most notably at Tannadice in April, as Dunfermline secured the title at long last. He also scored one of the Pars most memorable goals of that season, an overhead kick to put Dunfermline 3-2 ahead at Dens Park in a game we won 4-2 having been 2-0 down to Dundee.
He carried on his good performances in the Premier League, as Dunfermline survived two seasons before going back down in 1999, after Bert Paton resigned. Dick Campbell installed Toddy as skipper but after Campbell's departure and the arrival of Jimmy Calderwood, Toddy found his chances much more limited.
He was sent on loan to Stockport County in 2000, having made 234 appearances and scoring 38 goals. From there he moved to Bradford City, before loan spells were enjoyed at Dundee United and Hearts before Calderwood, realising how useful a player Toddy was, swooped to re-sign him in 2003.
He made his second Pars debut in a 0-0 draw with Celtic, with Andy absolutely outstanding in snuffing out Henrik Larsson. He made 26 starts and 10 sub appearances that season, including a run out at the Scottish Cup final.
The following season saw Davie Hay take charge and Andy was more often than not deployed as a centre forward, including the 2-2 draw against FH Hafnarfjordour, Dunfermline's first European game in just over 30 years.
As Hay's side stumbled from one farce to the next, Andy emerged as the team's chief goalscoring threat, and ended up as top scorer with 7 goals. He was robbed of a hat-trick against Dundee on New Year's Day by a Dundee player touching a header into the net for him.
Season 2005/2006 saw him remain a key member of the squad, this time under Jim Leishman, and he made 25 appearances but the following season saw him slip further down the pecking order, and after Stephen Kenny arrived, it was clear he was not in his plans.
Towards the end of the season, he was awarded a testimonial for his service to the club, which spanned 11 years over two spells. The Dunfermline V Andy Tod select game was a great spectacle, and it was of course fitting that he should score in the select's 4-1 win.
The select team, full of former Pars starts, managed by the legendary Bert Paton and Dick Campbell and with other famous faces like Ally McCoist, all helped pay a fitting tribute to a man who had done so much for the club he loved.
Andy's last appearance for the Pars was as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat at Easter Road on December 30th 2006. He made 383 appearances for Dunfermline, scoring 50 goals. Not a bad record for a striker cum defender!
The Todalinho was the last of the famous 1995/96 team left at East End, so it truely is the end of an era. He always had time for the fans, and his commitment and passion for Dunfermline Athletic was there for all to see. My favourite memory of him was scoring that goal at Dens Park, while another would be opening the scoring in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Rangers in 2005. But there are equally important goalline clearances, clearing headers or last ditch tackles I have forgotten about.
He was a great servant to the club and a very good player for us, but he will always be remembered fondly by the fans. Though we generally don't want the Wee Team to do well, I and I'm sure all other fans, will wish him well at Stark's Park.
Long live Toddy!
Transfer speculation
As is normally the case, the close season has brought a great deal of transfer speculation. As preparations are stepped up for the new campaign, the transfer rumour mill has gone into overdrive, and I thought I'd share some of the rumours doing the rounds at the moment......
Striker Jim McIntyre has been linked with a move away from East End Park, with St Mirren alleged suitors. The Pars Scottish Cup semi final hero has become a fixture in Stephen Kenny's plans since recovering from a neck injury in January, and struck up a good understanding with Tam McManus towards the end of the season.
So far though, nothing has come of the reputed interest from Paisley, and McIntyre travelled with the Pars squad to their training base in La Manga on Sunday.
One player who seems close to the East End Park exit door is defender Sol Bamba. The popular Ivory Coast under 23 captain has remained in Scotland following interest from clubs in England and France.
Kenny confirmed Bamba could be on his way, saying: "Sol hasn't travelled with the group because the possibility exists that he could be moving.
"There's nothing concrete as yet, but we understand there are clubs, principally from the English Championship, interested."
We await developments with baited breath.
Onto players possibly joining Kevin Harper at East End and rumours are again surfacing that 2 players who were with the Fifers on loan last term, Jim O'Brien and Stephen Glass, could be set to return.
O'Brien returned to Celtic at the end of last season but it seems unlikely that he'll be a first team regular, and rumours are that a return to EEP, either on loan or permanently could be on the cards. Could a deal be struck which would see Bamba going the other way? Who knows. Seems unlikely to me, but you cn never tell.
Glass on the other hand has no future at Hibs and seemed certain to sign for St Mirren. But latest rumours indicate that John Collins is unwilling to sell to another SPL club, leaving the Pars as favourites to sign him. We could see more developments on this tomorrow.
And finally, former Dunfermline loan sensation Adam Hammill, touted for a return to Scotland on loan, is all set to join George Burley's Southampton in the Coca Cola Championship for a season having been handed a new 3 year deal at Liverpool.
Pre-season, don't you just love it!
Striker Jim McIntyre has been linked with a move away from East End Park, with St Mirren alleged suitors. The Pars Scottish Cup semi final hero has become a fixture in Stephen Kenny's plans since recovering from a neck injury in January, and struck up a good understanding with Tam McManus towards the end of the season.
So far though, nothing has come of the reputed interest from Paisley, and McIntyre travelled with the Pars squad to their training base in La Manga on Sunday.
One player who seems close to the East End Park exit door is defender Sol Bamba. The popular Ivory Coast under 23 captain has remained in Scotland following interest from clubs in England and France.
Kenny confirmed Bamba could be on his way, saying: "Sol hasn't travelled with the group because the possibility exists that he could be moving.
"There's nothing concrete as yet, but we understand there are clubs, principally from the English Championship, interested."
We await developments with baited breath.
Onto players possibly joining Kevin Harper at East End and rumours are again surfacing that 2 players who were with the Fifers on loan last term, Jim O'Brien and Stephen Glass, could be set to return.
O'Brien returned to Celtic at the end of last season but it seems unlikely that he'll be a first team regular, and rumours are that a return to EEP, either on loan or permanently could be on the cards. Could a deal be struck which would see Bamba going the other way? Who knows. Seems unlikely to me, but you cn never tell.
Glass on the other hand has no future at Hibs and seemed certain to sign for St Mirren. But latest rumours indicate that John Collins is unwilling to sell to another SPL club, leaving the Pars as favourites to sign him. We could see more developments on this tomorrow.
And finally, former Dunfermline loan sensation Adam Hammill, touted for a return to Scotland on loan, is all set to join George Burley's Southampton in the Coca Cola Championship for a season having been handed a new 3 year deal at Liverpool.
Pre-season, don't you just love it!
Saturday, 7 July 2007
Transfer activity
Dorus De Vries
Pars goalkeeper Dorus De Vries has finally left the club after signing for Coca Cola League One side Swansea City on a 2 year contract. The hugely popular Dutchman had been expected to leave the club ever since the Pars relegation was confirmed and now the move has happened.
Signed from Dutch side Den Haag after impressing then boss Jim Leishman on the Pars tour of Holland, Dorus quickly established himself as the number one goalkeeper, largely due to an impressive performance on his debut at Somerset Park against Ayr United in the CIS Insurance Cup.
His consistency between the stick made him a firm favourite with the fans, and had it not been for him the Pars may have gone down sooner and may not have reached the Scottish Cup final. Ironically, it was his error against Inverness on the penultimate day which helped condemn the team to Division One.
Dorus leaves East End Park having made 34 appearances and recording 12 shut outs; an impressive achievement for a relegated club.
Everyone at Dunfermline would like to thank Dorus for his contribution to the club and wish him every success in the next stage of his career in South Wales.
Kevin Harper
Stephen Kenny completed his first signing of the pre-season today in the shape of midfielder Kevin Harper. The 31 year old will be best known to Dunfermline fans from his time at Hibernian, his first club.
He then signed for Derby County before enjoying spells at a number of clubs, including Portsmouth, Norwich City, Leicester City and Stoke City, from whom he joins the Pars under freedom of contract.
Kevin is a right sided midfield player and a former Scotland Under 21 international, and should be a good addition to the squad.
More details on Kevin's move can be found on the official website. http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1069114,00.html
Pars goalkeeper Dorus De Vries has finally left the club after signing for Coca Cola League One side Swansea City on a 2 year contract. The hugely popular Dutchman had been expected to leave the club ever since the Pars relegation was confirmed and now the move has happened.
Signed from Dutch side Den Haag after impressing then boss Jim Leishman on the Pars tour of Holland, Dorus quickly established himself as the number one goalkeeper, largely due to an impressive performance on his debut at Somerset Park against Ayr United in the CIS Insurance Cup.
His consistency between the stick made him a firm favourite with the fans, and had it not been for him the Pars may have gone down sooner and may not have reached the Scottish Cup final. Ironically, it was his error against Inverness on the penultimate day which helped condemn the team to Division One.
Dorus leaves East End Park having made 34 appearances and recording 12 shut outs; an impressive achievement for a relegated club.
Everyone at Dunfermline would like to thank Dorus for his contribution to the club and wish him every success in the next stage of his career in South Wales.
Kevin Harper
Stephen Kenny completed his first signing of the pre-season today in the shape of midfielder Kevin Harper. The 31 year old will be best known to Dunfermline fans from his time at Hibernian, his first club.
He then signed for Derby County before enjoying spells at a number of clubs, including Portsmouth, Norwich City, Leicester City and Stoke City, from whom he joins the Pars under freedom of contract.
Kevin is a right sided midfield player and a former Scotland Under 21 international, and should be a good addition to the squad.
More details on Kevin's move can be found on the official website. http://www.dafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/FNewsDetail/0,,10288~1069114,00.html
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