New signings add ‘quality and depth’
PARS boss James McPake is confident that his two latest additions will add quality, as well as depth, to his squad.
On Friday, with the club still able to secure loan deals for players from clubs playing in higher divisions, he moved for Rangers wide man Kane Ritchie-Hosler and Motherwell winger Robbie Mahon on temporary deals until January and the end of the season respectively.
Englishman Ritchie-Hosler, 20, began his career with Manchester City before moving to Ibrox in 2019, while 19-year-old Mahon made his senior debut for the ’Well earlier this season, having moved to Fir Park from Bohemians, in his native Republic of Ireland, earlier this year.
Both players made their Dunfermline debuts as substitutes during Saturday’s match with Peterhead, in which they drew 2-2 having been two goals up going into the final three minutes of regulation time, and McPake is confident they will both make a telling contribution to his team.
Speaking to Press Sport this week, the Athletic boss commented: “They add quality and they add depth to the squad, and we’re delighted to get both in.
“Obviously it was tough last week, (being) late on at the end of the week when they came in, just getting to know people, but they’re now settling in well and looking good.
“The two of them are natural wide players; Kane can play in a couple of different positions. They’re both young, exciting players that will go on to have a good career, and they’re at two good clubs in Motherwell and Rangers.
“Obviously, we’ve got Chris Mochrie from Dundee United, where the loan seems to be benefitting him, so we hope that loan can benefit both Kane and Robbie as well, help them progress in their career, which will help us.”
Prior to taking on the role of first-team manager at Dundee, McPake coached within their youth academy, and has utilised that knowledge, as well as taking in a number of games, to recruit.
“I’m aware of them because I watch a lot of B team games, reserve games or development games,” he continued.
“Robbie was one that Motherwell brought across from Ireland and Bohemians, so I wasn’t as aware of him as much as Kane obviously coming from Ireland, but I’d seen him a few times and spoken to enough people, and then watched enough footage on him to realise that he’s a good player.
“He’s certainly shown that.”