JAMES MCPAKE has declared the upcoming season as a “clean slate” for the Athletic players as he continues to be patient in the transfer market.

Chris Hamilton and Kyle Benedictus are the only two new faces to have checked into East End since McPake’s arrival as manager so far.

After playing a bounce game on Tuesday evening, Dunfermline’s first pre-season friendly took them to Cove Rangers, under the charge of ex-Pars boss Jim McIntyre, on Saturday - with the result a 2-0 win - before a trip to Forfar Athletic’s Station Park tomorrow (Tuesday).

With their opening Premier Sports Cup fixture at East Fife just over two weeks away, McPake, who said there was nothing further on whether Graham Dorrans, under contract for the coming season, would stay or depart, told Press Sport ahead of the Cove clash: “We are looking, and we’ll continue to look, but a lot of teams have either just started back, or have started back this week.

“We were back a wee bit early but now the players will be glad that first week’s out the road.

“I never believe you ever rush into it (making signings). When you do rush, that’s when you give yourself a headache, you make rushed decisions and rash decisions on signing players.

“There is a process and it’s being developed at the football club and I believe it’s a good process at Dunfermline. That was a big part of me wanting to come and accepting the job, the way they do things.

“It’s a process between a lot of people and we will get it right and get the right players in that will strengthen. But, we’ve got to remember, there is still a lot of good players there as well.

“It’s a clean slate for everyone. I saw a few games last year – not too many, but I’ve watched loads back – so I’ll be able to see over the friendlies, and not just that, in the first week, if they’re willing to be able to play the way we want to play. At the minute, they’re all standing up and showing that they can. That’s good signs.

“They’ve come back and they’ve got a positive mindset. We’ll have a look and see what we’ve got but, from the naked eye at the minute and watching them, they’re willing to work hard and there is a lot of quality there.

“It’s been pleasing.”

When asked how the first week of pre-season preparations has gone, McPake said of his players: “They’ve been great; they’ve really taken on everything we’ve asked them to do.

“Football’s tough, we all know that, and pre-season’s tough, but it’s vitally important. it’s a building block for your season and there’s been no complaints, which we wouldn’t expect.

“They know the demands of the season and they know the demands of playing for Dunfermline Athletic Football Club, so the players have been great, and they’ve been a credit to themselves.

“It’s going to be tough. We’re going to push them even further, and we’re aiming towards the 9th of July now.

“The first week, you do wee bits and pieces but the main part is conditioning. Now we’re into the stage where you are getting your ideas and how you want to do it across.

“I’d only been away for a couple of months but it’s been good being back on the grass, and I have missed it. I’m delighted to be back in, and the boys have responded well, so long may that continue.”