Published: Thursday, 18th March, 2010 1:42pm

Athletic look to future by reviving under-19s team

THE Pars look set to put their faith in youth by launching a full time under-19 team next season as boss Jim McIntyre faces more cuts to his player budget.

The Pars are currently juggling nearly £12 million of debt despite managing to reduce operating losses from £2.4 million to £774,000 in 2008-09.

At the club's annual general meeting at East End Park on Monday, fans heard the player wages-to-turnover ratio was reduced from 70 per cent to 45 per cent during the 2008/09 season, with the player wage bill set to reduce again for next season to 36 per cent.

Club chief executive Bill Hodgin told supporters, "In terms of playing squad to turnover ratio we reckon this year it's going to come in about 43 per cent.

"Next year we've already agreed with the manager the shape of the squad and to drop to about 36 per cent.

"That's making assumptions that our season ticket revenue stays the same along with commercial and other income."

The Pars have decided to launch a full-time under-19 team next season as the best way to retain their existing under-17 talent, including Scotland cap Kevin McHattie.

Speaking at the AGM, director of football Jim Leishman said, "The reduction in the senior squad will help fast forward the under-19s.

"There are not many under-19s getting opportunities just now.

"I think it was a blow stopping the under-19s as the manager couldn't see them on a regular basis during training.

"The manager has had to put players out to Clyde or Berwick to test the water to see if they can handle it in that division.

"If the manager thinks they are good enough then he will introduce them into the first team."

Chairman John Yorkston told Press Sport, "We've always put our faith in youth and have had to make some hard decisions in previous years.

"We've also had to look at the quality we've had as there's no point having an under-19 side if nobody is going to come out at the end of it.

"Our youth coaches say we seem to have a good bunch at the moment and there are a number of 17s and 18s who can come through."

Turnover increased from £2.3 million to £2.6 million during 2008-09, due to getting to the Scottish Cup semi-final, while non-gate revenue, such as hospitality, advertising and sponsorship, increased by eight per cent.

However, Mr Hodgins admitted season tickets had taken "quite a considerable drop due to coming out of the SPL into the First Division", with income falling by 29 per cent.

Dunfermline currently have 1614 season ticket holders with average gates of 3011, down from 3251 during 2008/09, although forthcoming games against Raith Rovers and Dundee are expected to increase this slightly.