Latest news with #Dunfermline
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
The Review: When it comes to boardroom bungling, last season's Championship takes a bit of beating
The inept, hapless way a number of Championship clubs have gone about their business these last 12 months goes some way to explaining why they are there in the first place. Sure, they are strapped for cash in the lower divisions, stretched to the limit and therefore more prone than most to human error, but last season's catalogue of boardroom bungling takes a bit of beating. It got off to an inauspicious start when Raith Rovers decided after one match to get rid of the manager, Ian Murray, who had taken them to the Premiership playoff final the previous season. Pretty soon, Dunfermline were matching them for incompetence - not necessarily with the sacking of James McPake but with the appointment of a young successor, Michael Tidser, who lasted only 59 days. Then there was Queen's Park, who dismissed Callum Davidson a month after his team had beaten Rangers at Ibrox. On and off the pitch, the club went into freefall, losing their main financial backer, as well as any semblance of the ambition they had shown since turning professional. Nor did it stop there. As the summer approached, an 'administrative error' led FIFA to ban Morton from registering players. And Hamilton were relegated amid a row over stadium ownership, which means that they and Clyde are ready to effectively swap grounds. Last week, Partick Thistle continued the theme by contriving to lose the manager who had guided them so skilfully to the playoff semi-final in his capacity as interim boss. Having been captain, top scorer, women's manager and now successful first-team caretaker, Brian Graham was steeped in the Firhill club, but somehow they couldn't sell him the job. Graham said no, which doesn't just mean that Thistle have lost a promising manager. They have, in all probability, lost a striker who was rattling in the goals and still has a year of his contract to run. It is not exactly a flying start for Ian Baraclough, who came in as sporting director in April. In the end, Thistle (who also spoke to Morton's Dougie Imrie) settled for Mark Wilson, who had been alongside Graham during that temporary period. All in all, they don't sound like a club with their ducks in a row, ready to go one better this season than they did last. The impression is that they and too many others in the Championship don't have the wherewithal off the pitch to fulfil their potential. At least Dunfermline seem to have emerged from their mid-season brain freeze, and indeed the apathy of recent years, by welcoming new owners who have made Neil Lennon a permanent appointment and promised to give him the backing he needs. Assuming the US analytics firm who took over in January do not repeat the mistakes made in their first transfer window – a handful of data-based project signings did for Tidser - there is no reason why the Fife club cannot become promotion challengers under Lennon. If they do, they will have two or three obvious rivals to contend with, all of whom have a plan that involves joined-up thinking, a vision from top to bottom and a decent transfer budget into the bargain. Ayr United are among them. Their manager, Scott Brown, seemed to cast doubt on his future after their playoff defeat by Thistle, but he is still there, as are the people upstairs who are getting so much right at Somerset Park. So, too, will St Johnstone and Ross County be among the contenders, if only because they have just come out of the Premiership. They have got a lot wrong in recent years, and have paid the price with relegation, but they have a clear idea of what they want to be and how they want do it. In an attempt to rebuild themselves on and off the pitch, St Johnstone appointed Simo Valakari last October and are to be commended for standing by him. It might not work, but he is central to a project that will be given every chance. So, too, have County kept faith in Don Cowie, despite his team's catastrophic end to the season, which culminated in a playoff defeat by Livingston. As ever, club owner Roy MacGregor will provide the funds needed to turn it around. Reports suggest that MacGregor is intending to recruit former County and Inverness manager John Robertson as an assistant manager. The idea is to provide Cowie with an experienced sounding board, as Jim Duffy will for Sean Crighton at Queen's Park. Rather than get rid of the manager, the thinking in both cases is to give him the best chance of succeeding. It makes perfect sense in a division not known in recent years for its rational thinking. Who knows, maybe it will catch on.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Top cop's call to toughen up footie banning orders amid surge in violence among teen fans
Police chiefs want easier access and heavier punishments for louts PYRO MANIACS Top cop's call to toughen up footie banning orders amid surge in violence among teen fans Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TOUGHER footie banning orders are needed to tackle an alarming surge in violence and pyro offences by teenage fans of Scots lower league clubs, a top cop says. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell issued the warning days after yobs brawled in the street before the SPFL Premiership play-off tie between Ross County and Livingston. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 01FEB25 Dunfermlines fans at the start. Dunfermline 3 v 1 Raith Rovers , Scottish Championship game played 1/2/2024 at East End Park. 4 Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell wants to make it easier for courts to serve tougher punishments on louts 4 Ultras groups down the divisions have marred games with fighting and pyro 4 Partick Thistle keeper ignores a smoke bomb hurled onto the pitch during the clash with Ayr United It followed a series of 'shocking' incidents involving matches in the Championship, League One, League Two — and even at Junior level. ACC Waddell, who heads football policing operations across Scotland, said: 'We are aware of the importance of football to our communities. "But some of the scenes over the last year have been shocking. "There have been pitch incursions and violence recently inside grounds. "And outside them, there have been disturbances leading to concerns and increased reports about fan behaviour. "The challenge with disorder at lower-level matches is that we would not ordinarily have police resources at them. "It means that we have to take officers out of communities to try to deal with this.' Attendances in the Championship, Leagues One and Two rocketed by more than 65 per cent in the last 11 years to a record 985,287 last season. But among the new faces inside grounds are groups keen to replicate the ultras of Celtic's Green Brigade and Rangers' Union Bears. Some have embraced hooliganism — wearing masks and hoods, attacking rival supporters and setting off flares and smoke bombs. Moment Scottish football ultras have megaphone confiscated ACC Waddell is keen to see the yobs being kept away from matches. He told The Scottish Sun on Sunday: 'In England, it's much easier for a football banning order to be issued. "There's an expectation the courts will do that. "However, that's not the same in Scotland. "We are keen to see the legislation being explored further here. "It's in the Scottish Government's plan for the next few years. "We've worked really closely with them. "And we've been inviting sheriffs and procurator fiscals to matches. "We want them to understand the complexities of policing games. "We're trying to get the criminal justice system in a place where we can work together to address these issues.' Last Monday, more than 20 ultras linked to Ross County and Livingston threw punches and attacked each other with poles and makeshift weapons in Dingwall, Easter Ross. Kenan Widdows, 24, of nearby Invergordon, was caught up in the chaos. He said: 'Boys from both sides were really lucky nobody was hurt considering weapons were used and bottles were thrown.' Earlier this month a cop required medical attention after being injured when Ayr United and Partick Thistle fans scrapped before their play-off clash. During the match at Somerset Park four young fans were hurt by pyros and home goalie Josh Clarke, 20, was shoved by a Jags supporter who'd ran onto the pitch. Greenock Morton revealed they'd hit seven fans with two-year bans following trouble at several games. Club chiefs said they were left with 'no choice but to take action'. Flares were hurled onto the pitch at Partick Thistle, narrowly missing kids, and a lad of 13 was attacked outside. Security was stepped up at Ton's Cappielow Park ground, with stewards checking for flares and smoke bombs. Four fans, three of them just 13, were nabbed in February by cops for having pyros at the Raith v Dunfermline league clash at Stark's Park. Ultras also let off smoke devices at Falkirk v Dunfermline in March. League One's bottom side Dumbarton barred all unaccompanied kids after ultras set off flares inside and outside their stadium during a game against Montrose, leaving some spectators needing medical attention. League Two side Spartans launched a 'School for Ultras' after kids said they wanted to get together to write songs and paint banners. But it had to be axed over fears they would be targeted by rivals. Even Junior football was affected. Masked hooligans were caught on CCTV hurling fireworks into a petrol station shop after being ejected from Newmains United Community FC's West of Scotland First Division clash with Carluke Rovers. Scots courts have issued more than 150 football banning orders to fans of lower league sides since 2012. But last night Stuart Murphy, chief exec of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, warned the chaos could lead to diehard fans opting to stay away. He said: 'Long-standing season ticket holders at clubs are thinking twice about renewing due to the behaviour of some people. These supporters are the lifeblood of our clubs but this is especially true for many teams in the lower divisions. But they are sick of illegal pyro use inside and outside grounds. It seems the game is secondary for some ultras. Nobody should need to worry about their kids or grandkids being burned by flares or being beaten up at a football match.' Kennie Young, assistant secretary of the Scottish Junior Football Association, said: 'Kids are just copying what they see fans of the biggest teams do on the telly. Clubs need to engage with them and tell them pyro is unacceptable, give them their own section and teach them responsibilities.' An SPFL spokesman said: 'We have repeatedly stated that pyrotechnics are illegal and unsafe and have no place at our matches. We wholeheartedly support the increased use of football banning orders for unacceptable behaviour.'
The Courier
a day ago
- Sport
- The Courier
Chris Hamilton has say on Neil Lennon staying as Dunfermline Athletic midfielder also pens new deal
Chris Hamilton has revealed he is 'excited' for the future at Dunfermline under Neil Lennon and has promised the Pars will 'have a good go next season'. Hamilton has become the first signing of the new Lennon era at East End Park after penning a one-year contract extension. The former Hearts youngster's previous deal was expiring, but he has been given a vote of confidence by his boyhood club with a fresh agreement. The 23-year-old follows swiftly on from Lennon himself after the Northern Irishman penned a two-year deal to stay as manager. And Hamilton, who played in all but the last of Lennon's seven matches in charge last term, is relishing the opportunity to play again under the ex-Celtic and Hibernian boss. 'It was really good working under the manager,' said vice-captain Hamilton. 'I think you could see the difference in the team from when he came in. 'We were really organised. We were a threat in most games, even though we never scored a lot of goals, and we dominated most games. 'I think his experience helped the group, our young group, a lot. 'Hopefully, moving forward, that can be the same this season. I'm really looking forward to working under him again. He added: 'Hopefully it's an exciting season for the football club. 'As a player, I'm really looking forward to it. As a fan, I'm really looking forward to it. 'I'm excited for the club. It looks positive, it looks on the way up. 'So, hopefully, as players and as a group, we can come back to pre-season, work hard and be ready to have a good go next season, and see where it takes us.' Hamilton joined Dunfermline in 2022 following relegation and helped the club win the League One title in his first campaign. However, after consolidating in the Championship in his second season, 2024/25 proved to be a trying year under three different managers and with the battle to avoid another relegation. The former Arbroath loanee is thrilled he now has the chance to 'right some wrongs' after agreeing his new deal. 'I'm delighted,' he said. 'Obviously I knew for a while towards the end of the season that I was going to be out of contract. And I had a few positive conversations. 'So, I'm glad it's all sorted now and signed and I can get my mind focused on coming in for pre-season and looking forward to that. 'Las season was tough. There were some highs – and a lot of lows. 'But I'm glad that we managed to stay in the league. It was important, really important that we managed to do that. 'And it gives us a chance this year to right some wrongs and really have a go and see where we can get to.'
The Courier
2 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
Excitement of Neil Lennon appointment has instant effect as fans 'rally behind' Dunfermline Athletic
Dunfermline have been 'blown away' by a surge in season-ticket sales on the back of the appointment of Neil Lennon as manager. Lennon has penned a two-year deal at East End Park following his short-term agreement for the final seven matches of 2024/25. The successful conclusion of negotiations brought to an end a month of uncertainty over the future of the former Celtic and Hibernian boss. It also allowed the Pars to push on with their season-ticket campaign, with sales beginning at 10 am on Friday morning. With a steady stream of supporters throughout the day, the Fifers had sold over 500 by the close of business. That is more than double the number from the first day of sales this time last year. Dunfermline had 3,375 season-ticket holders last term and are optimistic of bettering that as anticipation builds following Lennon's decision to commit to the Championship club until summer 2027. A club spokesman said: 'We have been absolutely blown away by the response from the supporters — day one season card sales have exceeded all expectations. 'The excitement around Neil's announcement has clearly ignited real optimism, and it's fantastic to see the fans rallying behind the club with such passion.' With the club shop open again at East End Park from 10 am until 2 pm on Saturday, club officials expect more fans to commit to the year ahead following Thursday's announcement that Lennon is staying. Prices for next season show a five per cent increase, ranging from £12 for U/12s to £379 for an adult. A statement read: 'With substantial investments, including our new manager, players, pitch improvements and other areas, we hope supporters understand their financial backing is crucial to the club.'
The Courier
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Courier
Neil Lennon to kick off new Dunfermline Athletic era live on TV as first opponents revealed
Neil Lennon will kick off his new Dunfermline era with a money-spinning clash against Hearts live on television. The former Celtic and Hibernian boss has agreed a two-year deal to stay on as Pars boss after seeing out the season with the club on a short-term contract. He has talked about rebuilding the Fifers and bringing more entertainment for supporters after some disappointing times of late. And he will have to hit the ground running once the competitive action gets under way in the Premier Sports Cup. Dunfermline now know they will take on top seeds Hearts at Tynecastle in their opening Group E outing. The tie, which will also be a competitive debut in the Jambos dugout for new boss Derek McInnes, has been chosen for TV and scheduled for Saturday, July 12, with a 5.15 pm kick-off. The Pars then enjoy a break in the following midweek before travelling away from home again to face Dumbarton on July 19. Thereafter, the Fifers host Hamilton Accies on Tuesday, July 22, and conclude the group phase with another home meeting with Stirling Albion on July 26. Kilmarnock v Livingston, Stirling Albion v Hearts, Motherwell v Morton and St Mirren v Ayr United complete the games selected for TV so far. SPFL chief operating officer, Calum Beattie, said: 'We are delighted to be able to announce the fixtures and TV selections for the group stage of the Premier Sports Cup as we look forward to the start of the new season kicking off in July. 'In addition to the five matches selected for live coverage on Premier Sports, supporters will also have the opportunity to watch additional games via the Premier Sports app and we hope to be in a position to confirm those selections shortly.' It is four years since Dunfermline qualified for the knock-out stages of the League Cup, with the 2021/22 campaign seeing them beat Partick Thistle, Dumbarton and Stenhousemuir on their way to the second round. Last year, with just one goalkeeper on the books and a threadbare squad, they beat Spartans but then lost to Forfar, Livingston and Cove Rangers to crash out ignominiously. Lennon won the competition as a manager with Celtic in 2019/20 and as a player in 2000/01 and 2005/06. His last trip to Tynecastle was as manager was with Celtic when the Hoops won 2-0 in December 2019.
