Pars boss gives insight to tricky transfer window

FORMER Dundee boss James McPake has opened up on one of the reasons transfer activity may not be going as quickly as he and many fans around the country would like.

There has been little activity on Tannadice Street where McPake used to ply his trade and the Pars boss admits the market has been slow across the country.

He’s eager to add to his squad ahead of the real action getting under way a week on Saturday at East Fife in the Premier Sports Cup.

But there has been frustration along the way. One example is recent managerial appointments in the Scottish Premiership that are slowing down the loan market.

“I know I say this every week, but we’re working extremely hard,” he said.

“It’s tough because if you look through the leagues, the amount of clubs that have got new managers. That makes it harder to get other players in.

“If you are looking to (Premiership clubs) to utilise the loan market – Dundee United with Jack (Ross), they started (training) last Thursday. So Jack’s going to want to look at all the players.

“At Dundee you’ve got a new manager, so Gary Bowyer’s going to want to look at all his players.

“Hibs in Lee Johnson have got a new manager, so he’s going to want to assess his full squad.

“We’ve come in here – it’s a domino effect.

“What you need to do is focus on what you have and, one, get them as fit as possible and, two, just keep working hard to strengthen, which we’re doing.”

The Pars manager added he is currently focusing on the talent at his disposal, including the teenagers racking up the minutes this pre-season.

But once the loan market does start to become more active, McPake is sure to delve into it, given both he and Dunfermline have had their successes in the past.

“It’s something we’re (looking at),” he said.

“Rangers and Celtic are just starting back as well, so when you’re looking to get players out of those clubs, it’s tough because