SPFL Fans’ Preview: Dunfermline can sneak into the Play-Offs
Published:
Here comes the latest of our Ladbrokes SPFL Fans’ Previews as we continue to get a fans’-eye view on how things are shaping up. As part of our commitment to Backing Scottish Football we’re asking a cross-section of passionate supporters how they think their side will get on and who’ll shine this season.
Alistair Campbell is our resident Par. He’s a passionate Dunfermline fan and a regular down at East End Park. He’s also one of the main men at the DAFC.Net site and forum.
Here’s how he’s calling it…
The Club:
If you could sign one star from the past…
Faissal El Bakhtaoui. Too soon? I’d have Face back in a heartbeat, but his reception might be mixed.
If not him, I’d indulge myself and get Roy Barry back to add that “je ne sais quoi” to the defence. I never had the privilege of seeing him play at his peak, but he’d add some bite at the back (even if he’s now in his 70s and may have lost a yard of pace).
I’m most excited about this season because…
I’m keen to keep the momentum going from last season, and I think we could surprise a few people.
Plus, I was having withdrawal symptoms from a lack of steak bridies.
I’m least excited about this season because…
I’ll miss trips to the so-called smaller grounds where you were assured of a warm welcome, if not the three points – bigger stadia seem less human somehow.
Two songs that define your side?
Into the Valley – the Skids’ classic still has the power to raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
And obviously the Bluebell Polka – surely a contender for Scotland’s next national anthem, with its lack of contentious words or references to glorious imperialism and its upbeat tempo.
Actor that would play your gaffer in a film and why?
Tricky. Obviously the guy who played Freddie Boswell in “Bread” would play Leish, but AJ? Maybe James MacAvoy? He’s a decent player I believe.
Or perhaps Michael Sheen could add to his portrayals of the great managers.
Key Player?
Joe Cardle.
He seems happy to be back at the club and scored a lot from the wing last season.
He’ll find it harder this campaign, but if he can keep producing the odd moment of brilliance then the extra points won could prove vital.
Weak links?
Maybe right back.
Ryzo spends most of his time nearer the opposition byeline than his own, and there is space behind him to be exploited.
Headline Generator?
Jim Leishman is much quieter of late with his Provostorial responsibilities, so I guess someone on the park.
It’s early days, but the skipper Andy Geggan is scoring loads from midfield – long may that continue.
Young player to watch this season?
James Thomas – he scored on his debut a couple of years back, but has had to be patient with the lack of further opportunities.
I’ve seen him score heaps for the Under 20s and this could be the year he makes the breakthrough.
League Predictions:
Your position?
4th
Hitting form at the right time and dramatically clinching promotion via the play-offs!
Title Winner?
Hibs
2nd Place?
Dundee United
Bottom?
Sorry, Sons of the Rock, but Dumbarton
Top Goalscorer pick?
Michael Moffat. Feed the Moff and…well, we’ll see.
Surprise team of the season?
Hibs.
They may finally live up to their favourites tag.
As a second choice perhaps Diego McCall will bring long overdue good times back to Somerset Park?
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
