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Topic Originator: buffy
Date: Fri 9 May 13:16
https://dafc.co.uk/club-update-may-2025
“With the season concluded and our squad update announcements earlier this week, I wanted to provide you with an end of season update.
Like all supporters, I was thankful that we were able to confirm our Championship status for the 2025-26 season. It has been a really tough year on and off the pitch for everyone connected to the club, so it was pleasing that we could put the season to bed without any playoffs to worry about and focus on the task in hand of improving our fortunes.
I want to express my sincere thanks to you all for the backing you have given the club this year. Despite our on and off-pitch challenges, we ended up having the best league attendances at KDM Group East End Park since 2006-07 season. That is remarkable.
I, the owners and my fellow directors are blown away by this loyalty. This backing drives us on to deliver improvements for the club.
Undoubtedly, the appointment of Neil Lennon has played a big part in the club and fans feeling more connected for the run in. His management skills along with his stature, values and character played a significant role in helping us get the points we needed to stay up. We have all loved having him at the club.
Negotiations always take time, but talks are progressing, and we are hopeful that we can put something in place for a future with Neil and his assistant Iain Brunskill. Neil’s initial appointment and the subsequent desire to extend his stay does give an indication to the scale of the ambition for your club under our new owners, James Bord and Evan Sofer.
James and Evan continue to participate in the day-to-day running of the business and are deeply engaged in our club. It’s a pleasure working with them and seeing that we share the same ambition and desire to improve our fortunes.
This week we have said goodbye to a number of players who we decided against offering contracts for the 2025/26 season. I would like to thank all players who have departed for their efforts at the club. Aaron Comrie, Joe Chalmers, Rhys Breen, Craig Clay, David Wotherspoon, Michael O’Halloran, Craig Wighton and Omar Taylor-Clarke all made important contributions over their respective times at the club. Within the group of players departing, I would like to give a special mention to Aaron Comrie. ‘Azza’ made more than 200 appearances for the club, making him only the 40th player since the post war period to hit that mark, which is a fantastic achievement.
On behalf of all the Board and everyone at Dunfermline Athletic, I wish these players all the best for the future and hope they prosper in the careers. Similarly, I’d like to thank the players that joined us on loan and their parent clubs for their co-operations.
With many players departing, we will, of course, be making significant changes to the playing personnel ahead of the new season. It has been frustrating that we haven’t been able to mount a promotion challenge over the past two seasons and that is something we are keen to address. It is going to be a big summer, and we will be doing everything in our power to get recruitment right to make sure we deliver the results we all crave.
Alongside the busy summer in the transfer market, we are expecting an active summer at KDM Group East End Park. Firstly, work is set to commence on replacing the playing surface. We know it has been a really challenging pitch for the past couple of seasons and we are addressing that as a priority. We are confident that the replacement of this surface will help the team and also allow you to watch better football week to week.
We have several proposals being considered to enhance supporter offerings at the stadium and we will update you accordingly if we can progress these.
With our league status secured, we are also busy preparing for season card sales, new shirt unveils, hospitality options and many more products and services that are important to you. Separate announcements on these will be forthcoming across the coming weeks.
Some fans commented on the lack of news on our Rosyth Training Centre during my April update. To clarify, the site continues to be used daily by the club and Pars Foundation, and we continue to assess all development opportunities. The cost and complexity of fully redeveloping the site are higher than originally thought – which means that we have to weigh this up against other potential investments for the club. That doesn’t mean we won’t redevelop it, but it means we need to assess our needs and analyse the timings of any next phases of development.
As we conclude the season, as well as thanking our supporters, it is important to thank the many volunteers that help the club and its affiliated committees. I remain humbled by the support of so many in and around the club on a weekly basis. There are far too many to mention individually but we are hugely grateful for everyone who helps contribute to the ‘Pars Family’.
Times are changing at the club with us no longer being fan owned, but supporter involvement remains a crucial part of our DNA. We cannot ever lose that.
We want to have a great summer – continuing to connect with supporters off the pitch – but also giving you more to cheer about on the pitch. It is a summer for having a go and I am sure you will see that in our actions as we approach the new season.
Thank you again for all your amazing support from myself, the owners and my fellow directors.
Have a great summer and see you soon. We will keep updating you on various things as we go.
Best wishes,
David Cook
Chairman and CEO”
”Buffy’s Buns are the finest in Fife”, J. Spence 2019”[/ihttps://dafc.co.uk/club-update-may-2025
“With the season concluded and our squad update announcements earlier this week, I wanted to provide you with an end of season update.
Like all supporters, I was thankful that we were able to confirm our Championship status for the 2025-26 season. It has been a really tough year on and off the pitch for everyone connected to the club, so it was pleasing that we could put the season to bed without any playoffs to worry about and focus on the task in hand of improving our fortunes.
I want to express my sincere thanks to you all for the backing you have given the club this year. Despite our on and off-pitch challenges, we ended up having the best league attendances at KDM Group East End Park since 2006-07 season. That is remarkable.
I, the owners and my fellow directors are blown away by this loyalty. This backing drives us on to deliver improvements for the club.
Undoubtedly, the appointment of Neil Lennon has played a big part in the club and fans feeling more connected for the run in. His management skills along with his stature, values and character played a significant role in helping us get the points we needed to stay up. We have all loved having him at the club.
Negotiations always take time, but talks are progressing, and we are hopeful that we can put something in place for a future with Neil and his assistant Iain Brunskill. Neil’s initial appointment and the subsequent desire to extend his stay does give an indication to the scale of the ambition for your club under our new owners, James Bord and Evan Sofer.
James and Evan continue to participate in the day-to-day running of the business and are deeply engaged in our club. It’s a pleasure working with them and seeing that we share the same ambition and desire to improve our fortunes.
This week we have said goodbye to a number of players who we decided against offering contracts for the 2025/26 season. I would like to thank all players who have departed for their efforts at the club. Aaron Comrie, Joe Chalmers, Rhys Breen, Craig Clay, David Wotherspoon, Michael O’Halloran, Craig Wighton and Omar Taylor-Clarke all made important contributions over their respective times at the club. Within the group of players departing, I would like to give a special mention to Aaron Comrie. ‘Azza’ made more than 200 appearances for the club, making him only the 40th player since the post war period to hit that mark, which is a fantastic achievement.
On behalf of all the Board and everyone at Dunfermline Athletic, I wish these players all the best for the future and hope they prosper in the careers. Similarly, I’d like to thank the players that joined us on loan and their parent clubs for their co-operations.
With many players departing, we will, of course, be making significant changes to the playing personnel ahead of the new season. It has been frustrating that we haven’t been able to mount a promotion challenge over the past two seasons and that is something we are keen to address. It is going to be a big summer, and we will be doing everything in our power to get recruitment right to make sure we deliver the results we all crave.
Alongside the busy summer in the transfer market, we are expecting an active summer at KDM Group East End Park. Firstly, work is set to commence on replacing the playing surface. We know it has been a really challenging pitch for the past couple of seasons and we are addressing that as a priority. We are confident that the replacement of this surface will help the team and also allow you to watch better football week to week.
We have several proposals being considered to enhance supporter offerings at the stadium and we will update you accordingly if we can progress these.
With our league status secured, we are also busy preparing for season card sales, new shirt unveils, hospitality options and many more products and services that are important to you. Separate announcements on these will be forthcoming across the coming weeks.
Some fans commented on the lack of news on our Rosyth Training Centre during my April update. To clarify, the site continues to be used daily by the club and Pars Foundation, and we continue to assess all development opportunities. The cost and complexity of fully redeveloping the site are higher than originally thought – which means that we have to weigh this up against other potential investments for the club. That doesn’t mean we won’t redevelop it, but it means we need to assess our needs and analyse the timings of any next phases of development.
As we conclude the season, as well as thanking our supporters, it is important to thank the many volunteers that help the club and its affiliated committees. I remain humbled by the support of so many in and around the club on a weekly basis. There are far too many to mention individually but we are hugely grateful for everyone who helps contribute to the ‘Pars Family’.
Times are changing at the club with us no longer being fan owned, but supporter involvement remains a crucial part of our DNA. We cannot ever lose that.
We want to have a great summer – continuing to connect with supporters off the pitch – but also giving you more to cheer about on the pitch. It is a summer for having a go and I am sure you will see that in our actions as we approach the new season.
Thank you again for all your amazing support from myself, the owners and my fellow directors.
Have a great summer and see you soon. We will keep updating you on various things as we go.
Best wishes,
David Cook
Chairman and CEO”
”Buffy’s Buns are the finest in Fife”, J. Spence 2019”
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Topic Originator: Higgys Mohawk
Date: Fri 9 May 13:29
“It is a summer for having a go and I am sure you will see that in our actions as we approach the new season.”
- looking forward to seeing this unfold
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Topic Originator: Playup_Pompey
Date: Fri 9 May 13:31
making the right noises. Hopefully the actions match
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Topic Originator: Higgys Mohawk
Date: Fri 9 May 13:37
Yeah. Setting the stall out early with a positive message.
Couple of good early signings (after we appoint Lennon) and we’ll all be buzzing going into the season.
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Topic Originator: StevenPar77
Date: Fri 9 May 13:40
It still won`t please some people, but I can`t see what more they can update us with than what has been said.
I was in hospitality for the Thistle game a few weeks back, and we were told to us strap ourselves for an interesting summer.
It seems as though we could be in for a few surprises. I just hope that transfers to the pitch.
Talking of which, a new pitch may be the most important piece of business we do.
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Topic Originator: CitizenPar
Date: Fri 9 May 13:51
I would say that`s the most positive and exciting update we`ve had from the Club for some time. Hopefully NL signs and we can all look forward to some good times at EEP in the near and not too distant future.
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Topic Originator: KnebworthPar
Date: Fri 9 May 13:54
Well Our CEO has been true to his word, provided us with a good update. Doesn’t say a huge deal, but as much as he can, although the tone is really positive and upbeat so hats off to him.
I, like most of us I guess, am really looking forward to a ‘big’ Pars summer, especially after last summer’s debacle. Hopefully Lennon confirmed soon and then we can all get ourselves strapped in for some fun I reckon!
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Topic Originator: king lad
Date: Fri 9 May 13:56
I`m glad there seems to be a bit of ambition coming through from DC. From the get go that never seemed to be a priority for GmbH to progress this club up the table (with a realistic plan for the first team). It`s about time we started puffing our chest out a bit and having a right good go at a more than winnable league as Falkirk have proven.
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Topic Originator: Bannockburn Par
Date: Fri 9 May 14:15
Sounds like we are in for a massive upgrade on the current squad. Would be great to see the fan experience improved as well. Good times ahead.
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Topic Originator: wee eck
Date: Fri 9 May 14:19
There is undoubtedly a different culture at the club under the new owners. I suspect DC was frustrated working under the previous regime.
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Topic Originator: jake89
Date: Fri 9 May 14:19
The GMBH approach wasn`t terrible tbh. It was focussed on building from a strong foundation. Unfortunately, you need to get the balance right. If you try and save money by not spending on players then you risk lower league positions and fewer fans showing up or, as we found two season in a row, potential relegation! There are no cheap or easy decisions in football. I`d go with the old saying of "you have to spend money to save money". For example, the "academy" could be a great facility but it needs proper changing and fitness space rather than an astro pitch and a porta cabin. That costs but then they could start letting out for community use, stop using other facilities, improve player fitness etc. It all depends on priorities though. Perhaps pause significant spending on the training facility and put that into the first team to try and get promoted where there would then be greater amounts of cash?
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Topic Originator: neils
Date: Fri 9 May 14:28
A really good statement, and quick to update us, something I think DC has had his hands tied behind his back previously.
Liked his appreciation of the players released, particularly Aaron Comrie
Wasn`t expecting much of an update to be honest, but it`s clear.
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Topic Originator: LEGEND85
Date: Fri 9 May 14:44
maybe with the statement folk can relax now and enjoy the summer holidays and just let things play out rather than worrying about next season so much.
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Topic Originator: buffy
Date: Fri 9 May 15:05
I was hoping for a pitch sized bouncy castle for some pre season summer fun - could they put the new gress to one side just for me please 😉
”Buffy’s Buns are the finest in Fife”, J. Spence 2019”
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Topic Originator: kozmasrightfoot
Date: Fri 9 May 15:29
I can`t enjoy the summer holidays. 1 for personal reasons I won`t go into on a football forum and 2 I hate the heat and lack of darkness. 3 I have to cut the grass and hedge which absolutely massacres my back so I have to do it in sessions over a couple of weeks. I`m a winter person,always will be.
The only good thing about the summer is saving money on gas.
The update was optimistic though, which was nice.
Pars fan.
Magpies fan.
Mens tennis fan.
Alternative rock fan.
Not a fan of much else.
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Topic Originator: hurricane_jimmy
Date: Fri 9 May 15:58
Agree wholeheartedly with the spirit of the message in the post and I remain very optimistic about the future or the club with Neil Lennon at the helm.
That said, I can`t help but cringe at the standard of English with which that post was written. 🤔
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Topic Originator: Raymie the Legend
Date: Fri 9 May 19:09
It’s an encouraging update. Hopefully, the fans can look forward to watching a better standard of football ?
It`s bloody tough being a legend
Ron Atkinson - 1983
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Topic Originator: onandupthepars
Date: Fri 9 May 22:18
Ref hurricane_jimmy Fri 9 May 15:58
quote:
Agree wholeheartedly with the spirit of the message in the post and I remain very optimistic about the future or the club with Neil Lennon at the helm.
That said, I can`t help but cringe at the standard of English with which that post was written. 🤔
.................
It seems well-written to me. You`re not so hot yourself jimmy. Dunce`s hat for you!
1."the future or the club," i.e. are you only optimistic about one or the other?
2. If you`ve got to be pedantic, for "Agree": I agree
3. (Add comma:) in the post, and I
LONG LIVE VERNACULAR!
Post Edited (Fri 09 May 22:33)
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Topic Originator: veteraneastender
Date: Sat 10 May 12:40
Lectures on grammar here should always remind us of the appropriate use of there and their which confuses a few 🤔
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Topic Originator: Zimbo
Date: Sat 10 May 13:38
Or they’re…
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Topic Originator: Wotsit
Date: Sat 10 May 15:08
How far should they go in sticking to striclty formal communication?
For instance, it is written for a curated audience who it is assumed hava a reasonable level of base knowledge, so there are loads of wee assumptions about knowledge made that wouldn`t wash in many settings, but which are perfectly reasonable for an audience of Pars fans.
Personally, I think that the tone was pretty spot-on for the intended purpose.
The content is also pretty exciting after more than a decade of mediocrity! The Martin Hardie Day highlights video popped onto my youtube feed yesterday, I want that again, that day felt amazing.
The enemy travels by private jet, not by dinghy.
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Topic Originator: PARrot
Date: Sun 11 May 17:55
Quote:
Zimbo, Sat 10 May 13:38
Or they’re…
Aye that to.
Sorry. That two.
Post Edited (Sun 11 May 17:56)
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Topic Originator: Zimbo
Date: Sun 11 May 17:57
🤣🤣🤣
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Topic Originator: kozmasrightfoot
Date: Sun 11 May 20:26
Their us no point in halfing grammer poleice on this fourum. Allmost haf the stuff ritten is ineligabel nonesens.
Pars fan.
Magpies fan.
Mens tennis fan.
Alternative rock fan.
Not a fan of much else.
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Topic Originator: PARrot
Date: Sun 11 May 22:03
Is grammar really necessary?
"Have you eaten, Grandma?"
"Have you eaten Grandma?"
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