It’s Dignan for Dunfermline as new manager swaps the Wasps for Pars
DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC LADIES have announced changes to their management structure in addition to some new signings.
The senior team have revealed that Charles Dignan, who has left Alloa Athletic, has taken up the manager’s position, and will be assisted by his number two at the Wasps, Gregg McSwiggan.
The club announced Dignan’s arrival last Wednesday evening, stating: “We are delighted to announce Charles Dignan as the new manager.
“Charles comes to us from Alloa, who themselves are currently on an impressive run under his leadership. He was also the assistant manager at East Fife and got them through the SWF (Scottish Women’s Football) Championship play-off and promotion to SWPL2. Coupled with his UEFA B licence, he will be an asset to the club.”
Dignan said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a great club who I believe has the infrastructure and set up to go all the way.”
Prior to Dunfermline announcing his arrival, Alloa released a statement that confirmed his departure from them, which said: “The club has recently been notified that Charles Dignan and his assistant Gregg McSwiggan are to leave their management and coaching roles with the Alloa Athletic
Women’s first team.
“The club would like to thank Charles for his focus and dedication in professionalising the squad, which has shown continuous improvement under his management.
“Charles cited the time and distances travelling every week from his home at East Fife as a significant factor in deciding to leave the club for a new position with Dunfermline FC.
“Both Charles and Gregg leave with the club’s very best wishes for the future.”
Before teaming-up with Dignan at Alloa, McSwiggan had success with Giffnock SC Girls and developed players from his time with Glasgow Girls, some of whom have moved into Scotland age-group squads.
“I’m thrilled that the manager has invited me to continue as part of his staff in what is sure to become an exciting chapter for everyone involved with the Dunfermline Girls and Ladies pathway,” he said.
“I can’t wait to meet the players and get started.”
In addition, Inness Pirrie has also moved to the Pars from the Wasps, taking up the position of goalkeeping coach, having previously worked at Raith Rovers and Rangers’ girls academy.
He said: “I’m delighted to be moving to Dunfermline Ladies with Charles as I know this will be an exciting journey working with a club who have great ambitions to strive to be at the top.”
Following the announcement of their new management team, the club revealed the signings of Katey Turner, Emily Wyse and Denver Hopkins.
Turner, who played and scored a treble in the recent win over Linlithgow Rose in the Scottish Women’s Football League Cup, returns to Dunfermline having started her career with the club.
A former Scotland under-17 and under-19 international, she has played for
Forfar Farmington, Hibernian, Rangers, Hamilton Academical, Motherwell and Hearts, and comes back to the club after a short break from the game.
Wyse also began her playing career with Dunfermline, before going on to play for Bayside, as well as the Royal Navy senior squad in England and Australia, and rejoins having recently been at Alloa.
Hopkins is another player following her coaching team from Alloa to the Pars, prior to which she played with Dryburgh Ladies.
A TRIO of talented West Fife footballers have topped off a hugely successful year by being feted at a national awards ceremony.
Chloe Hutchison, Ava Crawford and Milly Mackinlay saw their achievements with Heart of Midlothian under-16s academy team recognised at the recently-held ScottishPower Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) Annual Awards.
Last week, Press Sport reported that Real Madrid and Scotland star, Caroline Weir, and Dunfermline Athletic Ladies and Girls FC’s Under-14 Whites, were shortlisted for prizes at the ceremony, which took place at Hampden Park.
Caroline was nominated for the International Player of the Year accolade, which was won by Scotland team-mate Lee Gibson, whilst the Pars side were in the running for Youth Team of the Year.
They missed out on that award to Hearts’ under-16s, who enjoyed a treble-winning season, with Chloe, Ava and Milly playing their part.
Playing in the NPL (National Performance League), Woodmill High School pupils Chloe, 15, and Ava, 14, and Dunfermline High’s Milly, 15, helped their team to glory, finishing on top ahead of teams such as Celtic and Rangers.
The talented players also helped their team to Scottish Cup and League Cup success, and have all trained throughout the year with the Scotland under-16s squad, with hopes high of call-ups to soon make their international debuts.
Prior to joining Hearts, Chloe and Milly previous played with Bayside, with Ava having formerly been with Dunfermline Athletic.