Dunfermline host annual player of the year and Hall of Fame

Fans joined the team and backroom staff at the Carnegie Conference Centre for the event which feted members of the current squad for their efforts throughout the season.

In addition, there were two new inductees into the club's Hall of Fame, with Greg Shields and Ivo Den Bieman invited to join a select band of Pars legends that includes Roy Barry, Bert Paton, Jim Leishman, Jock Stein and Norrie McCathie.

Various fan groups, including the Dunfermline Athletic Supporters Club, Dunfermline Athletic Disabled Supporters Club, the Pars Supporters Trust, the 1885 Business Club and Section North West, had the chance to present prizes, with Chris Hamilton, Ewan Otoo and Josh Edwards collecting awards across a variety of categories.

Hamilton was named both the DAFC Player of the Year and the Gary Riddell Players' Player of the Year, whilst Otoo claimed the Joe Nelson Young Player of the Year accolade.

Ewan Otoo was named as the Joe Nelson Young Player of the Year. (Image: Craig Brown.)

Edwards, who last week was named in the PFA Scotland Championship team of the year, won the management team player of the year, whilst Ewan McLeod won the academy player of the year prize.

Goal of the season went to Lewis McCann, for his stunning free-kick at Queen's Park at Hampden in September, whilst captain, Kyle Benedictus, was the recipient of the Living True Sportsmanship award.

Pars boss James McPake heaped praise on Hamilton, Otoo and Edwards, commenting: "The three of them have been really consistent.

"Hammy's had a few injuries but, out of the whole squad, they're the ones that haven't really had an injury, and we've really relied on them a lot, particularly Chris and Ewan.

"Both have played midfield and centre back, so it's good recognition for both.

"Josh has been excellent again. I think it would've been a travesty if he hadn't been named in the (PFA Scotland) team again. All season he's been consistent.

"I think he was in the League One team of the year last season as well, so he's kept up his performances."

It was a special evening for former players Shields, who earlier in the season left his role heading up the football side of Athletic's academy, and Den Bieman, as they accepted places in the Hall of Fame.

Greg Shields, pictured with Stewart Petrie and Ian Westwater, was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame. (Image: Craig Brown.)

Former team-mates Stewart Petrie and Ian Westwater were on hand to present their prizes.

Shields, who played over 200 times for the club across two spells, said: "When Chris Wishart (secretary of the Dunfermline Athletic Former Players Association, Hall of Fame sponsors) made the call to tell me, he probably could tell by the tone of my voice, the change in my voice just just how humbled I was to be put in that bracket along with some of the guys around here tonight.

"It is such a fantastic achievement so thank you very much.

"My whole family are here tonight, it is a proud moment and very very rarely in my career do I get to share it with my family so this is for you as well."

Cult hero Den Bieman spent five years with the Pars, making 185 appearances, and was a member of the iconic 1995/96 First Division winning side.

Ivo Den Bieman accepts his place in the Hall of Fame from former team-mates Stewart Petrie and Ian Westwater. (Image: Craig Brown.)

An immensely popular player, the flying Dutchman is also a member of Montrose's Hall of Fame, and said: "It is something that you cannot work for, you cannot achieve it, it is given to you. That makes it very special.

"Dunfermline has a very special place in my heart, Scotland has a very special place in my heart. The 10 years in total that I spent here, with five at Dunfermline, were the best of my career."