The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Cook to become new CEO of Dunfermline
Dunfermline are set to appoint former Celtic and Everton employee David Cook as their new chief executive.
Cook has served as chief commercial officer at Nottingham Forest since July 2017. He is expected to take up his new role at East End Park at the start of the new year.
Boasting more than 10 years’ experience specialising in marketing, sponsorship and brand management, it is hoped Cook will help to modernise and maximise revenue within a new club structure.
Dunfermline are under the ownership of German consortium DAFC Fussball Gmbh, with one of those investors, Thomas Meggle, working as sporting director.
Chairman Ross Mcarthur has announced that he will step down at the end of the current campaign.
Prior to joining Nottingham Forest, Cook worked as a business development manager at Celtic (2010-2012) and Everton (2007-2009).
He also boasts experience from outside the football bubble, having worked in a management position with aviation giants Etihad.
That role saw him negotiate sponsorship deals with clients including Manchester City and Major League Soccer.
Cook’s impending arrival was revealed at a Dunfermline supporters’ council meeting on Wednesday evening.
Fans were able to put their questions to the Pars board for the first time since the Covid crisis, and meet new manager John Hughes.
Speaking to a 150-strong crowd in East End Park’s Purvis Suite, it was also confirmed that Dunfermline’s new training ground will be located at the Rosyth Civil Service Club.
While Mcarthur confirmed that there have been unforeseen delays to the project, it is hoped the Pars will break ground on the project imminently.
The renovated base will host the Dunfermline playing staff, the Pars Foundation and the soonto-be-relaunched youth academy.
It will not be a joint venture with Rosyth FC.
It is hoped the new facilities will be at least partially opened by the start of next season.
Meanwhile, Pars boss John Hughes has urged his players to “jump aboard” for a Scottish Cup adventure.
Hughes has described himself as a “lucky man” in this competition, lifting the famous old trophy in 2015 with Inverness Caledonian Thistle. He also managed a run to the final in 2009 with the Pars’ great rivals Falkirk.
The Hampden showpiece may be a pipe dream for Dunfermline – finalists as recently as 2007 – but “Yogi” has urged his charges to embrace his ambitions for the club.
“I’ve got good history with the Scottish Cup,” smiled Hughes.
“I’ve been a lucky man to have reached two Scottish Cup finals as a manager – and very lucky to win the trophy one year. I know what it’s all about and I know the history of the Scottish Cup at this club.
“If you have the mindset of appreciating the history and size of this club, saying ‘I fancy a bit of that’, then jump aboard, because that (pointing to the sky) is where we are going to go.”
Hughes, however, is loath to underestimate the challenge posed by Partick Thistle, bossed by his close pal Ian Mccall.
Indeed, Mccall managed Hughes in the twilight of his playing career at Falkirk.
“We’ll be right up against it,” acknowledged Hughes.
“We’ll need to hit the heights that we hit against Ayr (3-0 win) to make sure we reach the next round.
“Ian Mccall is a good friend of mine and he does a good job.
“I played under him at Falkirk, I know his coaching staff – (Neil) Scally and those guys – and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Should the Pars navigate a tricky trip to Firhill, it will further enhance a burgeoning feelgood factor on the Halbeath Road.
Dunfermline are not back at East End Park until the December 11 visit of Queen of the South — but Hughes has no qualms about starting his rallying cry early as he seeks to re-energise the fanbase.
“If we keep building the crowd and the momentum, it all plays a part,” he continued.
“That’s us rolling in one direction.
“We’re not getting carried away but there’s a wee taste of something happening right now.”