JAMES McPAKE says there is “loads going on in the background” as he continues to try to bolster his Athletic squad.

The transfer window closes at midnight next Thursday for clubs in Scotland, and the Dunfermline boss is working to bring more players in.

Last week, he recruited central defender Sam Fisher, who was on the bench for Saturday’s derby draw with Kelty Hearts, on loan from Dundee.

His arrival followed the captures of Kyle Benedictus, Chris Hamilton, Max Little and Chris Mochrie and, while McPake did not wish to go into detail on specific targets, or the number of players he’d like to bring in, he said: “There’s loads going on in the background.

“We’ve got an idea of how we want our team to look when the window shuts, and it’s not number-based or whatever. There’s loads of different things we’re looking to cover.”

When asked whether it’s about identifying the right type and quality of player, rather than simply adding depth, McPake replied: “Absolutely. That’s what it’s been from day one, and will continue to be.

“I’ve said it from the start. As a football club, we’re not just going to add players for the sake of adding players to add depth to the squad. That’s not what we’re trying to do.

“Everything we’re trying to do has to be quality-based, and we’ll continue to do that.”

The acquisition of Fisher, 21, on a season-long loan, pleased McPake, who had been seeking cover for Benedictus and Rhys Breen at the heart of his miserly defence, which has yet to concede a League One goal.

“He’s a player I gave his debut to at Dundee,” the manager continued.

“He’s had a couple of loan spells as well. He’s a centre back that I’ve liked and, when he became available, we were weak in that area, in terms of numbers, and it was a worry to us.

“Sam’s proved he can play in the Championship with Dundee. He was involved a few times in the promotion season (when McPake took the Dark Blues to the Premiership in 2020/21), and he’s been involved this season as well up there.

“He’s out to hopefully get himself some game time. He’s a player I know really well, and he knows the way we work, so I’m delighted to get him over the line.”

Dunfermline’s proud goals against record will be put to the test on Saturday when Airdrieonians come calling in an early top-of-the-table clash.

Both the Pars and the Diamonds have won three and drawn one of their opening four games, with the latter at the summit on goal difference, and McPake, who will assess Paul Allan’s fitness, is anticipating a tough match.

“The two us are at the top of the table, the two of us are unbeaten – it should be a good game,” he said.

“There’s plenty of positivity going about the building, whether that be staff, players, whoever, you name it – everybody that’s involved at this football club.

“We’re happy with the way it’s going. Yeah, we’ll all strive to be better, but it’s been a decent enough start.

“We’re four games into a season and nothing has happened yet. That’s all we are, four games, fifth game coming up this week, and it’s another test, but the big thing for me is we’re back at home and it’ll be a good atmosphere.

“We need to prepare, put everything else to the side, and just focus on our own game. If we do that, then we believe we’ll get a positive result on Saturday.”

Midfielder, Chris Hamilton, commented: "Defensively, we look good. We just need to start taking our chances after, again, creating a few good ones against Kelty.

"It’s still early doors. None of us are really paying attention to the league table just now; we’ll get the first round of fixtures out the way and see where we are.We just need to take it each game at a time. This league’s very tough.

"Every game’s big for us this season. Airdrie have started very well this season so it’s one we’re looking forward to."