A Review of 2022

What a 12 months it has been for Dunfermline Athletic – ups, downs, twists and turns. Crying, Cheering; Celebrating and Criticising. In this article, we `Review 2022`.

Over the past 12 months, Dunfermline Athletic have played in 2 divisions, 4 competitions – plus the play-offs – had 2 different managers and had differing fortunes under both.

2022 began under the guidance of experienced Manager, John Hughes. He was tasked with trying to keep the Pars in the Championship, following a horror start under Peter Grant in Scotland`s second-tier.

Hughes was brought in late on in 2021, and had already gained valuable victories and points for Athletic come the turn of the year and good things were hoped for under the former Falkirk, Hibernian and Inverness Caledonian Thistle man. He would ultimately leave at the end of the 2021-2022 campaign.

2022 began with a Derby draw, 0-0 away to Raith Rovers, with January seeing 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat, meaning a good start to the year was ensured.

But things would take a sour turn pretty soon afterwards, with results beginning to dip once again.

Too many draws were the problem in the end, with a few of those swapped for victories being enough for the Black & White to remain in the Championship for this campaign.

Play-Off heartache against Queen`s Park saw Dunfermline relegated to League One and a “fresh start” was required – a complete reset under new CEO David Cook.

The end of the Championship and the start of a new era"

Shortly after relegation and the departure of John Hughes as First-Team Manager, James McPake was appointed and looked to turn round the fortunes of DAFC as a new venture in SPFL cinch League One was about to begin.

It started well, with the Football Club one successful penalty in their penalty-shoot-out loss to Alloa Athletic away from qualifying from their Premier Sports Cup Group.

But those positives vibes continued into the league with the first quarter seeing the Pars unbeaten and well on top of the table.

Only two defeats have occurred under McPake so far; one was against Ross County away in the Premier Sports Cup (1-0), while the other was a 2-0 loss to Montrose in League 1. The only blemish to what is otherwise a very impressive record from the new manager so far.

McPake came in to bring the good days back to KDM Group East End Park and that has certainly been the case so far. His win ratio has saw an encouraging end to 2022 and brings plenty hope for 2023.

One league defeat and top of the table:

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