The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Play-off spot the bare minimum for Pars this season, says Crawford
Dunfermline manager Stevie Crawford insists a play- off place should be the bare minimum for the Par sin this season’ s Championship.
The Fife outfit head into tomorrow’s league opener at home to Inverness brimming with confidence following three- straight wins in their Betfred Cup group campaign, the latest coming on Tuesday at Kilmarnock.
Dunfermline finished last season’s c ur tailed second tier in sixth place, and have only reached the play-offs once – in 2018 – since winning promotion from League One more than four years ago.
Crawford, who has recruited the likes of Steven Whittaker, De clan McManus, Kevin O’Hara and Fraser Murray, has made it clear that he expects a top four finish from his players.
He said: “I’m 20 months into the journey as a manager and with the players we’ve signed we’re looking to the play-offs, minimum, this season.
“It probably attracted a few of the players to come as well – it was certainly one of the reasons the likes of Declan McManus wanted to come back.
“It’s not setting ourselves unrealistic targets but if we can stay together and focus on taking it a game at a time, I think we’ll do well this season.”
In a shortened 27-game campaign , Crawford appreciates the importance of getting off to a good start and he is hoping the team can transfer their Betfred Cup form into the league following wins over Killie, Falkirk and Dumbarton.
He added: “We’re not conceding goals and scored six in the last three games so it’s pleasing.
“But we can’t get ahead of ourselves. It breeds confidence and the pleasing thing for us and myself is that although we added a number of players, the foundation was there to build on.
“If we can get off to a good start then the confidence will play a big factor in how the season is going to pan out.”
John McG lynn could be back in the Raith Rovers dugout for their Championship opener against Arbroath following gallbladder surgery.
Assistant boss Paul Smith has taken cha rge of the Fifers’ last two Betfred Cup fixtures, against East Fife and Hear ts, after McGlynn went under the knife at the Royal Edinburgh Infirmary on Sunday.
However, McGlynn is now recuperating well at home and, while the final decision will ultimately be guided by medical advice, there is a chance the manager – who is eager to return to the coalface – could be back at the helm in time for the Lichties’ visit.
Smith said: “John will no doubt try to push himself but we’ll try to keep him in check.
“I spoke to him a few times before the game on Tuesday and had a chat for a couple of minutes after full- time. But the main thing is he comes back when everyone says he is ready.”
East Fife midfielder Kyle Bell got his loan spell at Lowland League Bo’ness United off to a flying start with a goal in a 4- 0 win over Vale of Leithen.