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
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
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
Thursday, 28 June 2007
Gary Mason
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.
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.
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)