McPake Looks Forward To Dunfermline`s Real 2023/24 Opener

The Scottish Championship pre season build up is finally done and  Dunfermline Athletic  have concluded their friendlies ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and we now continue to prepare for the big kick off on Saturday in our first Viaplay Cup tie away to Raith Rovers.

Manager James McPake is clearly happy that the build up preparations are now finally out of the way and that we are getting down to some real, and meaningful, action and the 39 year old former centre half seems to be extremely confident that the squad, and his chosen first eleven, are in the right place and more than ready for the challenges that the new season will bring. 

Lottoland football betting would give you decent odds on the kind of season we might have, if a flutter is your kind of thing.

Speaking on Thursday as he met the wider media, his previous experience when being appointed permanent manager of Dundee back in 2019 gives him a little bit of an insight into Raith, as they were his first opponents in the, then called, Betfred Cup, and he registered a 3-0 victory and he would dearly like to repeat that.

“It is early but we have been in this cup for a while now and it is the same for every team when it comes around. You try and fit in as much as you can. The break was good as was not having to deal with play-offs the way the club did the year before. The break was important, the players needed that and they have worked really hard since we came back, so we are prepared.”

The competition certainly is not new to McPake, but the Fife derby element is and he knows it is something he needs to factor in, but at the same time, from his position something he should not necessarily be distracted by - that is for the fans.

“This one is new to me. I am aware of the rivalry similar to the Falkirk one. When I first came in last year everyone was talking about the rivalry but I had never experienced it. I am looking forward to it, it is a game on TV and a good game to start with.

Our away form was great last year, we were unbeaten at home, we just need to continue that. The artificial surface is one that we are very used to as well and I have never been one to use that as an excuse. Obviously we would rather be out there in front of our own fans but we will take a big travelling support there and they will get right behind us if we perform.”

Fans will simply hope we perform and get the season off to the right start.