New Fife boss aims to keep it all positive

Stevie Crawford hopes his East Fife side can pick up their first win in his second spell in charge as they look to move off bottom spot with a trip to Peterhead.

Crawford got his tenure off to a positive start as his side came from a goal down to draw 1-1 last week with Alloa.

He explained: “It was certainly a test of character but there were lots of things we were happy with.

“We didn’t create enough, but we managed to limit them in terms of chances and we were happy with our shape and the way the boys applied themselves.

“Wee questions were certainly asked, but the buy-in from everyone has been fantastic and we finished stronger.”

Crawford this week appointed Greig McDonald and Paul Thomson to his coaching staff and added: “Between my spell out and then in helping Gary (Naysmith) out at Edinburgh City, I did a lot of reflection and there were certain things I found myself looking at.

“Both Greg and Paul have good jobs away from football but are keen to work with senior players and we had positive discussions early in the week.

“Paul has worked with younger players in the main and has his A licence, but is also comfortable with senior pros.

“Greg has been a manager in his own right and has a feeling for the club, and they are both good communicators with lots of ambition.”

The Fifers head to Balmoor this afternoon and Crawford said: “We know it will be a tough one and I am told we have beaten them twice this season, though that doesn’t guarantee anything at all.

“Jim McInally always sets his teams up well and they will cause us different problems to Alloa, but we want to be able to cause our own.”

Aaron Dunsmore returns from suspension for the Fifers, with several others set to be assessed prior to kick off.