Dunfermline host another fan`s forum at East End Park

A packed Kingdom Suite saw players, management and directors answer any questions that were put to them from the Pars fans in attendance.

Murray Falconer.

The top table consisted of:

Brian Robertson (DAFC director)
Paul Atkinson (Physio)
Rodney Shearer (DAFC director)
Hamish French
Jim Leishman
John Yorkston
Murray Falconer (Financial Director)
Greg Shields
Andy Tod
Scott Wilson
Scott Thomson

Alex Mill (right), the matchday announcer, took on the role of MC for the night and opened the event just after half seven as the last of the fans took their seats. After an initial period of reluctance, questions soon started to flow quite regularly!

Opening question was regarding the upcoming CIS League Cup final in January. As a thank you to the fans, would DAFC be laying on free transport to the match?

John Yorkston (JY) confirmed that the club had not discussed the transport situation and would "add it to the agenda at the next board meeting"

Jim Leishman (JL) also added that perhaps sponsored buses could be organised, similar to the 2004 cup final.

The subject soon turned to matters on the park, and a question was raised as to why there are so many injuries at the club.

Paul Atkinson (PA) (left), the first team physio replied that "there is simply no hard and fast reason. There have been 33 injuries this season, with half of them coming from contact on the park, which cannot be helped. They are simply down to bad luck"

Leish (above)was asked about his transfer options in January.

"Players are coming to the end of their current deals, for example Jamie McCunnie and Liam Horsted. Both players are keen to stay at DAFC and feel as if they are learning and progressing as players."

Hamish French, Craig Robertson and Leish have literally been scouring the country to try and find players who could improve the first team, with numerous high profile reserve games being taken in down South including those between the likes of Manchester United and Everton.

"Ideally, two or three players would be added to the squad in January, but only if they improve the squad." It is still hoped that the Icelandic Under 21 striker the club has been linked with recently can be encouraged to sign for The Pars.

Asked about the negativity on the net, obviously www.dafc.net messagenboard in particular, the players responded:

Andy Tod said "I honestly don`t read it. However, no one likes to read about bad publicity and the players certainly don`t go out to play badly on a Saturday. The young players might take it more personally though"

Leish added that Craig Robertson, who has been subject of numerous accusations as to his suitability at the club "worked incredibly hard for DAFC each and every day. He is a huge asset to Dunfermline and people have to realise this, as is the case with Hamish French. They are not paid nearly as much as people at other clubs, but do more work. Rather than go onto the net and post stories, come in and speak to the people at the club instead of mocking and telling stories on the internet"

Leish added "The expection is there to win. But please people, tell the truth. If you want to come on and say Dunfermline played rubbish today etc, then that`s fine. No one has any problem with that. But don`t come on and talk rubbish and tell lies"

On the financial front, Murray Falconer (above)was asked to summarise where the club stands:

"The club is in pretty good shape, compared to some others. February 2004 was obviously the crisis time, with wage cuts, but the club decided NOT to go into administration. Every cost has been cut at the club to suit. Numerous unpaid staff do a great service, from the DASC, Centenary Club, Pitch fund committee etc."

"The current cup run can help hugely, obviously. But there is a sustainable business model now in place and all back creditors have been paid. Relegation would obviously mean having to revisit this model! Every meal, pint or lottery ticket that fans buy helps the club replace the loss of income from empty seats at home games."

It was then highlighted that the previous management team of Davie Hay, Billy Kirkwood and Paul Hegarty are NOT still being paid by the club and have been paid in full.

John Yorkston (below) added some points re the plastic pitch being lifted:
"The initial cost, along with the weekly pitch hire income and lack of further revenue raised by people using the facilities has been well documents. The plastic pitch will be getting relaid at Powerleague in Pitreavie, for players to use as a training facility. Two thirds of the park will be getting put down onto the existing substructure that is in place there. It will be a DAFC branded operation."

The players were asked about their thoughts on the park, now that it has gone. Two contrasting opinions came from the two Scotts in attendance!

Scott Thomson said he personally liked it. "Having suffered with ankle injuries on grass parks, I had no problem with it and enjoyed playing on it.

Scott Wilson added "I did not like it at all! Any contact on matchday, or even in training, resulted in some sore ones being taken.

Paul Atkinson was asked about the strength and conditioning of the playing squad, could this be an area worked on?

"Hamish is consulted and individial programmes for each player are produced. The club would like to be able to employ sports therapists and numerous other staff but do not have the resources"

JL added "Stirling Uni were in a position to offer their excellent facilities for a year, however the tragedy at Falkirk in July meant they are now using the facilities as their training base. The physio can ask for additional people to help him out if need be, or ask for additional funds.

Asked about player`s training regimes, Leish replied that "Players do extra training on top of the programme the club give them. Greg Shields did additional training and injured himself because of this. Mark Burchill was in on Sunday and Monday afternoon doing sessions over and above his normal training too"

Did the small Pars support affect the players at Celtic Park?
Greg Shields replied "It does not affect me during the game. You could start to hear the Celtic fans booing though and it did make a great atmosphere!

Toddy (above)joked "What was the question again? Before saying that "Unhappy campers don`t help of course. The crowds can be harsh sometimes and it does not help the younger players. The silence from nearly 60,000 Celtic fans was great on Saturday though"

The now annual question about Rock Steady Security and their stewarding policies was raised:

MF replied "They are cheaper than Police, about £5 an hour instead of £30 an hour. Rock Steady took over their nearest competition, so no alternatives are available. The club know the attitude from some stewards causes unrest with fans and are constantly in discussions about ways to resolve this. Consistency is also a problem, evidently, with different clubs enforcing different rules and regulations during matches. The club cannot train their own stewards, as was once the case, as they tend to spend more time watching the match!"

Another regular question about housing away fans in the North East stand met with a regular answer

"There are no disabled toilets in there" JY added that "The South East enclosure was used for Livingston disabled fans for their recent visit, and steward costs again have to be added up for opening up different areas for supporters in the ground"

What is the progress in the last year on the Youth Policy front?

Leish replied "The SFA were here last week and Dunfermline have everything in place to meet their new performance criteria. They just need to get the youngsters in! DAFC can train boys up, but then the Old Firm or Hearts/Hibs can come along and sign them at 14 which is very frustrating. Roy Barry is now scouting in London, as well as other scouts. Previously, the club had two youth scouts both based in Fife!

On the contract front, Leish confirmed he has "Not signed the contract, but have agreed verbally the terms and conditions. This way it does not cost the club any money if I was to leave the position."

"I mean it sincerely when I say I know when to go, though I also heard at the weekend that Roy Keane was coming here as player/manager with me moving back upstairs!

"If the players agree to take a wage cut, Keane come come in!" joked Leishman. Scott Wilson quickly piped up that "I`m off to work for Rock Steady in that case!"

Further announcements were made about events to do with both Ian Westwater`s testimonial, though the game has yet to be confirmed. The club also confirmed they would like to hear from fans as to their thoughts on marking the 10th anniversary of Norrie McCathie`s death. A memorial weekend on the 3rd and 4th of February is planned.

How much can the club expect to gain from the CIS cup semi final? "With TV fees, gate money pooled and sponsors money, at least £200,000."

The evening ended on a note of positive support for the management and the players as they were assured that their efforts so far have not been reflected in the results. Leish finished by saying "Young players are out there, Campbell, Wilson, Horsted, Ross etc. and find it hard to keep their heads up after playing so well for an hour against Motherwell, they go a goal behind. They need to keep their heads up and committed players are more than welcome to stay at this club. Results do need to improve, everyone knows that.

With thanks going to the departing Murray Falconer being given by DASC and the Pars Pitch Fund Committe, the evening was brought to an official close.