Key Players to Watch in Dunfermline Athletic’s Current Season
Date: Tuesday, 1st Oct 2024Dunfermline Athletic are finally back in the Scottish Championship and a fall from grace over the past few decades and serious financial difficulties. Things are looking up for the Fife-based club, and fans are increasingly hoping that a return to the Scottish Premiership could be possible sooner rather than later.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, as survival in the hotly-contested Championship is the first point of call, and it won’t be easy. Teams like Falkirk and Ayr United are currently flying at the top end of the table, with Dunfermline Athletic languishing towards the bottom. Things can change very quickly in the league, however, and the club’s recent form has been more encouraging.
In any case, Dunfermline Athletic are going to need every one of their most important players to step up and perform for the rest of the season. Staying in and consolidating inthe Scottish Championship after being promoted from League One last season (2023-2024) would represent a major step forwards.
Keep reading for a round-up of the key players to watch during Dunfermline Athletic’s 2024/2025 season. We’ll also go into more detail regarding whether or not the popular Fife club can reach the Scottish Premiership. Get the lowdown below.
Dunfermline Athletic: Finally Returning From The Doldrums
Dunfermline Athletic were one of Scottish football’s most celebrated exports during the 1960s, with the Fife club winning the Scottish Cup twice in 1961 and 1968 before reaching the European Cup Winners’ Cup Semi-Final in 1969. Indeed,
European nights versus the likes Real Zaragoza will stay long in older fans’ memories, but there hasn’t been anything near that level of excitement for quite some time.
There was a period of relative success for the club in the early 2000s, with appearances in the 2004 Scottish Cup Final, 2006 Scottish League Cup Final, and 2007 Scottish Cup Final. Unfortunately, Dunfermline Athletic didn’t actually get their hands on any silverware, losing all three finals to Celtic.
Relegation to the First Division (now the Scottish Championship) followed, something that quickly led to financial issues. By April 2013, the club were in complete dire straits, eventually being granted full administration. The fan group Pars United were eventually given full control, a move that has slowly seen Dunfermline return from the doldrums.
The landmark recent promotion to the Scottish Championship is evidence that something is stirring for the Fife football club. Under the stewardship of James McPake, manager since 2022, things are finally looking up.
Key Players to Watch in Dunfermline Athletic’s 2024/2025 Season
The manager deserves ample credit for turning around Dunfermline’s fortunes of late, but he couldn’t have done so without a consistently improving core player group. Here are some of the key players to watch:
Kyle Benedictus
Nobody is more important to Dunfermline Athletic’s 2024/2025 season than Kyle Benedictus. The 32-year-old veteran is the experienced heart of the club’s defense, and as club captain, he is also responsible for setting the standards week in and week out. Benedictus is renowned for his aerial prowess and strong tackling, helping younger defenders like Ewan Etoo gain confidence and form a solid back line. He’ll need to be at the top of his game to stop Championship attackers, who represent a notable step up quality-wise than what the team faced in League One.Craig Wighton
Craig Wighton is arguably the most important attacker in the Dunfermline squad, known for versatility and clinical finishing. The forward can play anywhere across the front line, but has been used as one of two central strikers by McPake recently. Wighton’s 2023/2024 was cut frustratingly short by a serious knee injury, with the 27-year-old unable to build on his solid showing. He’s yet to score again in the new season, but fans are hoping he discovers his form from last year.Ewan Otoo
Ewan Otoo came through the highly regarded Celtic academy but failed to make an impact at the legendary Glasgow outfit. He caused quite the splash during a loan spell at Dunfermline last season, signing permanently over the summer to great fanfare from supporters. A young central defender also happy to play as a defensive midfielder, Otoo stated that the club was “the best place to continue his development”, further endearing him to supporters. They’ll need him to be at his best to stay in the Championship this year.Matty Todd
Matty Todd is the team’s engine in the middle of the park, and is consequently one of the most important players in the squad. The club award-winning 23-year-old has grown in stature since graduating from the academy, and is now Dunfermline’s chief creator.Can Dunfermline Athletic Return to the Scottish Premiership?
It’s the big question on everybody’s lips – can Dunfermline Athletic return to the Scottish Premiership. Some of the best places to look for the answer are bookmakers, as these companies employ numerous football experts to ensure their odds are accurate. You won’t find many betting sites tipping the club for promotion this season.
Dunfermline will have to survive in the Championship by the skin of their teeth by most estimates, although if the squad can continue improving, promotion is a real possibility next season.
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