“I am delighted to have this opportunity to communicate at length with the Pars supporters on the eve of the new league season. Since I took over in May, it has been really hectic familiarising myself with the club, organising pre-season training, sorting out my backroom staff, and of course trying to recruit the best players available. Football is all about players and I am very satisfied with the squad, although I would like to make a couple of more additions. The young players already at the club have impressed and are desperate to do well and learn, as a coach or manager you cannot ask for any more. The new players will hopefully complement the existing players. Before signing a player, you want to assess their ability, temperament and character and so far all the boys have fitted in really well.

"Myself, Sandy, John and the players are all ambitious and want to take the club forward and recognise how important this season is to the club. We will do everything in our power to make it a success, however we need the fans to stay with the team at all times and encourage the boys, home and away.

"I was told this is a traditional football club, with a real sense of community and a proud history, backed by good people and supporters, and every day I see that first hand. I have been impressed by the ambition of the club and I would not have taken the job if I did not think we could be successful. Everyone is thirsty for success, and I have been genuinely taken aback by the loyalty and passion of the supporters, and the season has not even started yet!

"Dunfermline is a big club in Scotland and they should not be in the third tier, but we are and we need to work together, on and off the field, to move the club forward. The last two seasons have proved it will not be easy, we are the team others will be gunning for, and there will be ups and downs, as there is every season, but I urge all of our supporters to keep backing the players as we are still a relatively young squad.

"It is important I take the time to outline for the fans what I am looking to achieve and how I like to operate.

"Naturally, we are all gearing to achieve promotion although it will be difficult. I know some people say we are the only full time team in the league, but part time players are probably fitter than ever, and a number of them are paid more than you might think. Nonetheless, I brought the squad in for pre-season training early as I want them in the best possible shape, physically and mentally, for the campaign ahead. It is not just about being stronger, but fitter and faster too. I like my teams to play with pace and score goals, as attacking play is not only enjoyable for the players but exciting for the supporters! Football is all about entertaining, and I hope to give you all an exciting brand of football. This was something I impressed upon the board when we were discussing the opportunity of me coming to the club. I can understand that with everything that has happened at the club in recent years, a lot of people are hurting, and I would obtain real satisfaction personally if I was able to restore some pride by building an attractive football team at East End Park.

"I have worked under a lot of good and experienced managers such as Peter Reid, Dick Advocaat, Craig Brown, Sam Allardyce and of course Sandy Clark! I played for Steve McLaren at Middlesborough, who introduced an innovative approach to strength, conditioning and sports science. A lot of these principles I was introduced to then, I have taken forward in my own management career and I like to use modern analysis techniques, statistical data rather than just traditional ‘by the eye’ methods. I am delighted the club has supported me with the purchase of a state-of-the-art heart monitoring system and allowed me to utilise a designated sport scientist. Leadership and man management of players is obviously important, but detailed analysis, thorough preparation and conditioning is also now vital in the modern game.

"Before I took the job, I expected the club to be at a low ebb as it had been underachieving, but I was pleasantly surprised with the sheer positivity around the club, and there is a real sense of togetherness between the supporters, players, management team and directors. That makes such a big difference and allows me and my staff to be entirely focused on the challenge that awaits, starting on Saturday against Brechin City.

"I have been in football long enough to know it is important to manage fans expectations, so I will not make any rash predictions, but what I can promise is that every one of my staff will be giving their all, on and off the pitch, and whatever happens come the end of the season, it will not be for the want of trying.

"I know how difficult it was for supporters last season, and without question we need to put on performances for our home fans. As a manager I have always liked to play exciting football and we now have more options to stretch teams on the big playing surface at East End Park. There are a lot of difficult and experienced teams in this league, and in a number of away games we may need to change our system to be more combative, so the players will have to work hard and compete, with good energy to get around the pitch.

"Football is a results business and by getting results on the pitch we hope we can galvanise the fans off it. A positive, noisy East End Park will give the players a massive lift. The atmosphere at Saturday’s game against Cowdenbeath was fantastic, so please keep that up!

"I believe the club has sold nearly 2200 season tickets and the Centenary Club Lifeline membership is at a 30 year high! For where we are, that is an incredible show of loyalty and your backing deserves to be rewarded with a successful season. Thanks also for making me feel welcome at the club, your fantastic response and I look forward to your backing and continuing support home and away next season.”