Cardle says things can only get better for Pars

Dunfermline winger Joe Cardle believes he is in the best shape of his career, but concedes the Pars are far from their peak ahead of the new campaign.

Allan Johnston’s side have lost all three of their pre-season outings – against Partick Thistle, Hibs and Raith Rovers – conceding 11 goals in the process.

On a personal level, Cardle hoped to hit the new season running after putting in the hours over the summer on the back of making only nine starts in the Championship last term.

The Pars begin the new campaign at home to Elgin City in the Betfred Cup this afternoon, and the 30-yearold admits the team’s preparation has been disappointing.

He said: “We know ourselves from the pre-season games that we’ve not gelled as well as we wanted to.

“The quality wasn’t there against Raith Rovers on Thursday.

“It can only get better, and that’s the way we have to look at it. The manager has mentioned a couple of times that he’s going to bring in new players, that’s the manager’s side of things.

“The players we’ve got, we’ve all got to work together and gel. In training the tempo has been good, but when we got out on the pitch, it’s not worked.

“It could take a bit of time, but the real stuff starts on Saturday and that’s when it counts.

“This is probably my first poor preseason, personally in the past and as a team I’m always flying.

“I don’t know what it is, I can’t put the finger on it, and there’s no one to blame.

“It’s about getting that winning mentality and the game on Saturday is massive.

“We’ve not picked up a win in preseason and Saturday is a must win for us.”

Cardle started in Monday’s 3-0 defeat to former club Raith and is hopeful of getting the nod against Elgin after being a bit-part player last season.

He added: “I didn’t play as much as I wanted to towards the end of last season, I just want to be on that pitch.

“I’ve come back the fittest I’ve ever been. I want to be on a pitch when it comes to a Saturday, showing everyone what I can do.

“I know I’ve still got it. Hopefully the manager sticks with me and I can do what I’ve been doing for the most of my career, score and create goals.

“I don’t think I’ve got anything to prove because I’ve been pretty consistent through my whole career. It happens sometimes when you’re not in the team but you have to remain positive.

“The manager knows what I can do. I’ve played with him for two years now.” Darren Dods is sure his old manager John Robertson will wipe away the relegation blues from Inverness.

But he hopes the new Caley Thistle boss won’t get off to a fast start in his second spell in charge of the Highlanders.

Brechin face ICT in the Betfred Cup this afternoon, and meet them a few weeks later in the Championship.

“John signed me for Inverness,” said the Glebe Park manager.

“We got promoted and they were great times up there.

“He’s been a club ambassador at Hearts recently and it didn’t look like he would be coming back into management. But he’s well liked in Inverness and will definitely give them a lift.

“Last season we were two leagues below them and this year we’ll be in the same one. They’ve made a few signings and they’ve still got a few boys who won the Scottish Cup two years ago.

“We’ll get a chance to see what they’re like tomorrow before we play them in the league again a few weeks later.”

Former Livingston midfielder Jordan