The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Pars now planning big revamp
As their fiercest foes prepare for the next step on their promotion adventure, Dunfermline Athletic are embarking upon a process of reflection, recovery and rebuilding.
An agonising 2-0 aggregate defeat by Raith Rovers on Saturday brought the curtain down on the 2020-21 campaign for the East End Park outfit.
From the highs of defeating Hearts in November to go top of the Championship to the lows of just three wins in 16 games between December 29 and April 13, it has been a tumultuous, occasionally thrilling and often maddening season for the Pars.
There will be little time to lick wounds, with the League Cup starting on July 10. So, just how big a revamp will take place at Dunfermline over the close season?
Stevie Crawford and the 2021-22 targets
First things first: Stevie Crawford will remain head coach but that should not be taken as indicative of ambivalence or inaction.
Courier Sport has learned the Pars are undertaking a strategic review of their operation – both in terms of infrastructure and personnel.
A need for improvement has been recognised, but the board still backs Crawford.
The head coach is not considered to have failed in his brief. There is a sense of a missed opportunity given where the Pars were in November, but the aim of a play-off place was realised.
Fourth place in the Championship equals the club’s highest finish since exiting administration in 2013 and the performance in the final weeks of the campaign has given cause for optimism.
Nevertheless, it is fair to say that without Hearts in the league, the Pars’ aspirations will be loftier next term.
Under contract: The pieces in place
The futures of Owain Fon Williams and Paul Watson
are secure and, as well as being dressing-room leaders, one suspects they will represent the spine of a revamped Dunfermline side, providing continuity and reliability at the back.
Dom Thomas, a contender for Pars’ player of the season, has another year left on his deal and will continue to be an invaluable source of creativity on the flanks.
Kevin O’hara, despite drifting in and out of the side for much of the campaign, still ended the season as Dunfermline’s top scorer with 11 and latterly carved out a super rapport with Declan Mcmanus and Craig Wighton.
Vytas Gaspuitis, Kyle Macdonald, Iain Wilson and Ryan Dow are also signed up and could be valuable assets.
Out of contract: Who exits East End Park?
The biggest question mark hangs over club captain Euan Murray, who has previously been linked with Aberdeen and Hibernian.
“There has been speculation since November but my sole focus has been giving everything for this club,” said Murray. “Up to this week, it’s been the very same but now I’ll sit down with my representatives and see what’s what.”
Steven Whittaker is another hugely influential player who will weigh up his options.
The former Hibernian, Rangers and Scotland star has been combining his impressive playing endeavours with coaching responsibilities.
The 36-year-old has never made any secret of his desire to carve out a career in the dugout and, given that he looks more than capable of continuing to play next term, Dunfermline will hope they remain the most tempting offer on his table.
Then there is the curious case of Kyle Turner.
The combative midfielder is currently embroiled in a play-off push of his own, thriving on loan at Airdrie, after falling out of favour
with the Pars. It seems remarkable that he was named Championship player of the month as recently as December.
However, Turner turned down the offer of a new contract and it became clear that a parting of the ways will occur.
Josh Edwards, goalkeeper Cammy Gill, Gabby Mcgill and Lewis Martin will also be free to speak to potential suitors.
Life after loans: The departing starlets
Crawford is undoubtedly a fine coach and developing young players is perhaps his métier.
However, the Pars have largely developed other teams’ players over the past season.
There are, of course, benefits to that. Dunfermline attained some fine talents and had they won promotion it would have been a laudable means to an end.
The down side is that their inevitable departure leaves a gaping chasm.
Ewan Henderson was arguably Dunfermline’s standout performer during the run-in. He returns to Celtic, along with Kerr Mcinroy.
Lewis Mayo’s versatility and composure was invaluable. He returns to Rangers.
Fraser Murray scored six goals from midfield. He returns to Hibernian.
Scott Banks was occasionally entertaining but ultimately ineffective. He returns to Crystal Palace.
Home grown heroes?
Supporters desire few things more than seeing “one of their own” shining.
Lewis Mccann, brother of St Johnstone hero Ali and a Northern Ireland under-19 international, is already considered a member of the senior set-up – a physically imposing, direct, forward player.
But he will enter the final year of his deal next season and it will be make-orbreak in terms of his future at East End Park. Promise must become product.
Miller Fenton has earned rave reviews during his brief spall on loan with East Fife and, aged just 17, is a precocious prospect at left-back.
Paul Allan, 21, and Matty Todd, 19, have both been on the fringes of the Dunfermline team and are highly-rated.
Improvements needed
A woeful away record of one win in 13 regular season Championship matches must be remedied with attacking impetus.
A more clinical touch in front of goal is also required after failing to score in nine of their final 16 games.
It is also hoped that when international borders are opened and Dunfermline’s German investors DAFC Fussball Gmbh can travel to Scotland it will mark the acceleration of ambitious plans.
Lavish spending will not be forthcoming but there will be investment designed to make the Pars selfsufficient – from youth development to training facilities to community engagement – and Crawford will be charged with mirroring that progress on the pitch.