Jefferies seeks new Pars faces for next season
Graham Gibson • Published 20 Apr 2012 09:00
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PARS gaffer Jim Jefferies is already running the rule over prospective new faces as he plans for next year's campaign.
Despite not knowing what league his side will be in next year, JJ has delved into his contacts book to try to uncover new talents that will strengthen the team.
With Dunfermline having a fortnight without a competitive game due to the Scottish Cup semi-finals, Jefferies laid on two bounce games which acted as trial matches.
Already one Swedish player has not made the grade as the the manager seeks to improve a squad who have been stuck at the foot of the SPL for the majority of the season.
Jefferies said, "We had one trialist from Sweden but he didn't quite match up. He looked good in training the day before but in the game situation he didn't do himself justice so he went back.
"We had three more trialists playing in a second match on Tuesday and it is about having an eye for the future.
"These games give me a chance to look at them plus it gives people like Steven McDougall and Andy Barrownman a run and lets me look at more fringe players and young boys.
"At this stage of the season it's not about fitness.
"These guys have had a long, hard season and we are ticking over having high-tempo games in training.
"It's about trying to make them better but it's such a short spell of time I have to do that so it's not easy."
This Saturday Jefferies will face St Mirren for the second time in his four matches in charge.
"I've seen a lot of them and know that they're a very good team. They're a well-balanced side but, as their manager admitted, at times they've been a bit inconsistent with their performances.
"Hibs have had a boost with a couple of good results and getting into the Scottish Cup final so things seem geared up to them having a bit of momentum.
"I don't think they're playing any great stuff but what they've got is a goal threat, a cutting edge up front.
"They have two players who, on their day, as they showed at the weekend, can cause anybody problems.
"That's their advantage.
"The most important thing is we get a result and if we do then it's back in the melting pot again."
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