The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Hughes urges Pars faithful to dig deep
New Dunfermline boss John Hughes has joined the Pars’ Centenary Club Lifeline (CCL) — as lapsed supporters were urged to renew their memberships.
The fan-led fundraising group is a pivotal source of income to the Fife outfit, contributing more than £1.5 million since 2013.
Even under the new ownership of DAFC Fussball GmbH, CCL will continue to play a major role in Dunfermline’s sustainable future.
And new gaffer Hughes has put his hand in his pocket — and pen to paper — to become its latest member.
CCL also acknowledged that “a handful” of supporters cancelled their pledges during the latter stages of the Peter Grant reign.
It is hoped that a fresh face in the dugout, and positivity on the park, may convince them to think twice.
During his media unveiling on Tuesday, Hughes underlined the importance of an engaged, passionate fan-base – and he has, in a literal sense, put his money where his mouth is.
“The supporters have a massive part to play,” said Hughes.
“If we get this right, everybody in Scotland knows what this place (East End Park) can be like.
“All the kids from local schools won’t be going on the bus to support Celtic and Rangers. They’ll all be coming to watch their local team.
“Why? Because there’s a real pride in the team.”
Meanwhile Mark Connolly is adamant fellow on-loan Dundee United defender Ross Graham can emerge stronger from his Dunfermline travails to become a Tannadice star.
Graham, 20, made his first appearance for Pars in two months on Saturday, entering the fray as a replacement for the injured Rhys Breen against Inverness.
And the towering
youngster was resolute as the Fifers held on to a 2-1 lead to register their maiden Championship win of the season.
Connolly described Graham’s 20-minute cameo as “absolutely outstanding”.
“He was really aggressive, won his headers and was communicating,” said Connolly. “I know Ross really well from being at Dundee United and I know he had a tough start here.
“He was playing left of a back-three and it was a challenge for him.
“But I’ve no doubt he can do well in this league, and also go back to Dundee United and push on there.
“He works tirelessly every day, he’s a good character and the type of boy you want to have around. So, it was great to see him back on the pitch on Saturday.
“He hasn’t been involved as much as he would have wanted, so you can either throw your toys out of the pram and think ‘I’m not in the plans’ or you can wait for your chance and grab it.”
Connolly, on loan from United until January, is relishing the first full week of training under former Hibs boss Hughes.
“He is very switched on, looking at his CV, I think it’s a coup for the football
club to get someone like John in,” he added.
“The gaffer has understood what he needed to do from the start to get the spirits up, which he is doing.
“But his standards are high too. He’s having a laugh and a joke but when it’s time to work, it’s time to work. The boys have all bought into that.”
However, even with a new boss and that first win on the board, Connolly is sufficiently experienced to know that a seamless surge of the standings is no formality.
“At this moment, we just need to get out the relegation zone,” he added.
“It’s time to kick on.”