Dunfermline Athletic Team Guide in FM2008
Average Rating: 8/10 Hits: 538 Submitted: Nov 6, 2007
Here you can find various hints and tips when it comes to managing Dunfermline Athletic in Football Manager 2008. Ranging from all the basic information about the club, the history of the club, the expectations of the club in both the current season and over the coming years, an overview of the squad and players at your disposal, the best players to buy, the players you should be looking to sell, the best tactics to use, both for attack and defensive and much, much more.
Basically everything you need to know, to aid your career managing Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Premier League, in FM2008.
Dunfermline Athletic boast the deepest and most talented squad in the Scottish first division by some distance. The players are largely happy but they are ambitious and restless if they aren't played or the team isn't winning. The Scottish first division imposes no squad size restrictions or salary cap, but the financial limitations on the side and a tight squeeze on wages restrict big signings and push Dunfermline towards loan and youth signings. There's not a great need to buy players to compete in the first division, and it might be prudent to hold out until the January transfer window, especially if there is cash to spend from European competition.
Dunfermline Athletic FC
Nation: Scotland
Year Founded: 1885
Status: Professional
Reputation: National
Chairman Status: Will listen to offers
Favoured Personnel: Jim Leishman, Craig Brewster, Lee Bullen, Andy Tod
Fierce Rivals: Falkirk, Raith Rovers
Other Rivals: Cowdenbeath, East Fife
Finances: OK
Estimated Value: £2.3M (Loan Debt: £6.5M)
Stadium: East End Park, Dunfermline
Stadium Capacity: 11998 all seater stadium with undersoil heating
Pitch Dimensions: 101x66m
Maximum Pitch Dimensions: 106x72
Training Facilities: Good
Youth Facilities: Adequate
Continental Competition: EURO (UEFA) Cup
Media Prediction: 2nd
Squad Average Age: 26
Squad Personality: Determined
Home Shirts: White with black collar
Away Shirts: All Blue
Third Shirts: All Black
Club Captain: Scott Thomson
History:
Formed in 1885, Dunfermline Athletic, based in the Scottish town of Dunfermline in Fife and nicknamed the Pars, have had a history that has involved many ups and downs in the traditional manner of the smaller Scottish clubs fighting the Old Firm for supporters. The most successful period in the clubs history was the 1960s, with two Scottish Cup wins in 1961 and 1968, and regular European football (including wins against Everton and Valencia) throughout the decade, but by 1985, the club had fallen into Scotlands third tier. Under inspirational manager Jim Leishman, the club was in the top flight just two years later, but they struggled to establish themselves until recent years.
As recently as 2004, Dunfermline finished 4th in the SPL and qualified for the UEFA Cup after making the Scottish Cup Final, but after losing their manager Jimmy Calderwood to Aberdeen, last season (2006-07) they saw their seven season stint in the SPL end when they were beaten 2-1 by Inverness CT on the same day their closest rivals St Mirren fought back to win 3-2 at Motherwell. Relegation came with a twist though, as reaching the Scottish Cup Final (where they lost to Celtic) qualified the club for the UEFA Cup. The challenge in FM 2008 is to restore the club from Division 1 to the SPL, with the added bonus of European Football to restore funds and finances to the club.
Expectations:
The Scottish First Division is a notoriously tough division to get out off, simply because only the champions go up into the top flight. The expectations of the board and fans is that Dunfermline will go straight back up after relegation, although the media prediction is that the Pars will finish 2nd behind St Johnstone. The board also expects success in the Challenge Cup (a competition for clubs outside the top division) with a minimum expectation of a place in the final. In the domestic cups (League cup and Scottish Cup), the board is aiming for a quarter final place, but are realistic about the clubs chances in the EURO Cup, acknowledging the difficulties the club faces at that level. In reality, a failure to secure promotion in season one will put instant pressue on the FM2008 manager, and a fast start is near essential, especially with takeover rumours from a fans consortium in the air.
The First Division is a league that is winnable however - it plays as a relatively erratic and high scoring league, where any side on their day is capable of winning (and winning big). That means if you can find a consistent formula, your closest rivals will likely keep dropping points, and it should equate to comfortable success. As it plays, the strongest teams in the division are Partick Thistle, St Johnstone, Hamilton, Morton and Dundee in that order. The other teams in the division are Queen Of The South, Clyde, Livingston and Stirling Albion, who are teams Dunfermline should be more than capable of beating.
Squad Overview:
Dunfermline Athletic boast the deepest and most talented squad in the Scottish first division by some distance. The players are largely happy but they are ambitious and restless if they aren't played or the team isn't winning. The Scottish first division imposes no squad size restrictions or salary cap, but the financial limitations on the side and a tight squeeze on wages restrict big signings and push Dunfermline towards loan and youth signings. There's not a great need to buy players to compete in the first division, and it might be prudent to hold out until the January transfer window, especially if there is cash to spend from European competition.
In goal, the number one choice is the loan signing Paul Gallacher, lent to you by Norwich City until January. Gallacher is a good reflex keeper and a former Scotland international who should save you some points under pressure. After January, things get a little more difficult if Gallachers loan can't be extended. The first team back up is the inexperienced but developing Sean Murdoch who can be erratic, but who develops into a decent keeper in time. Also on the books are experienced duo Neil Inglis and Roddy McKenzie who can step in with a reasonable amount of success, although no permanent keepers convince as Gallacher does. The longer term option might be in the under 19s, where seventeen year old Greg Paterson begins to develop over time and is capped for Scotlands under 19 squad. He might be one to look at loaning out if possible for experience. Once Gallacher leaves, it might be a judgement call as to which keeper you find most reliable, since the options are solid but unspectacular.
Dunfermlines greatest weakness is in defence, particularly in a division that plays as high scoring and erratic. This is particularly true at full back, where the options are extremely limited. In the inherited first team squad, the limited Scott Morrison is the only listed option at left back, and the aggressive Greg Shields and the talented Souleymane Bamba the only options at right back. Since Bamba is better used in central defence, Shields has to be used at right back, since the only other option is the on loan to Inverness Phil McGuire (who isn't a bad option and worth looking at recalling). Listed reserve Calum Woods is the best option at left back ahead of Morrison, and ahead of fellow reserve Aaron Labonte, who is repeatedly caught out by faster strikers, but who is worth persisting with in the longer term. With such limited options however full back is the position that most needs strengthening with a loan signing or a long term investment.
Central defence is stronger at Dunfermline with the strong Ivory Coast defender Bamba an automatic choice with youth on his side. At 35, club captain Scott Thomson is transfer listed, but should be taken off the list as his experience is needed as much as his influence. The aforementioned Labonte can also be drafted into central defence but as said, the long ball catches him out far too often. Greg Shields can also step in, as can 30 year old Scott Wilson although like Labonte he lacks genuine pace and acceleration. The final listed first team option is the strong but limited Jamie Harris. Listed as reserves, the 19 year old pair of Pat Halpin and Neil Fenwick are good prospects for the future, and might be worth trialling against limited opposition in the cup. Rounding out the central defence is the on loan to Inverness McGuire. Overall the defence needs strengthening for the top flight if nothing else, but is good enough to dig in against most first division sides.
Beyond the defence, the rest of the squad is strong and experienced, with clear options on the left and right. On the left, Stephen Glass plays far better than his stats suggest, providing plenty of drive and some regular goals. Scott Morrison can also play on the left of midfield, but as a limited option. His namesake Owen and Scott Muirhead are attacking left midfielders with a decent amount of ability and both make handy substitutes. The clear choice on the right of midfield is the more than capable Tam McManus, a clever and dangerous first division winger. Greg Ross is a solid young option, although he plays more of a defensive role. Owen Morrison can also switch to the right hand side and provide some nice touches, while the Irishman Bobby Ryan offers very little to the side. The only reserve team options on the right are Kevin Harper and Ian Williamson, clear candidates for the transfer list.
In the centre of midfield, Greg Ross, Tam McManus and Steven Glass can contribute in flexible roles but the central midfield combination that works best for Dunfermline is a combination of the strong and combative Steven Simmons and attacking midfielder/forward Stevie Crawford. Playing Crawford in midfield allows decent tactical flexibility and the ability to push him forward if a goal is required, and his natural inclination is to push forward anyway. Simmons is strong and aggressive and does the leg work for the side. An excellent alternate is Darren Young, who will perform the same role as Simmons and provide plenty of aggression. The centre of midfield should provide plenty of problems for the opposition you face, with listed young reserves Gary Maclachlan and Nick Phinn capable of being drafted into the side an injury crisis to offer you plenty of flexible options.
Pushing Crawford into a creative role brings former Celtic striker Mark Burchill into his own as Dunfermlines key forward. Burchill is too good for most first division defences and creates plenty of chances with his skill, but his finishing can be erratic. Tam McManus can be drafted up front as well, but the only other options are Jim Hamilton and Jim McIntyre, both over 30 and handy at this level, but not the next level up. McIntyre plays marginally better as a goal scorer but it's a judgement call with Hamilton strong in the air and slightly younger. McIntyre is also transfer listed as the game begins. The position could definitely use some strengthening however, especially if you use Crawford in the creative role.
The youth squad at Dunfermline does contain some talented players and should be strongly looked at as a source of players to step up and cover problem positions, especially in a relatively weak division. The mentioned Greg Paterson, flexible full back Derek Howie and talented striker Charlie Bradshaw are among the stand out players not included in the first or reserve team squad overview.
Potential Signings:
David Templeton (AMR, FC) - Hearts (Permanent, 35K)
Matthew Park (D/M L) - Hearts (Permanent, 16K)
James McCarthy (M C) - Hamilton (Permanent, 85K)
Bryan Prunty (F C) - Airdrie United (Permanent 26K)
Jordan MacMillan (D RC) - Rangers (Loan)
Cameron Murray (D RC/WB R) - Motherwell (Loan)
With funds limited, it might be worth waiting until the January transfer window to invest, especially if you can somehow scrape into some bigger games in the EURO cup. This can be a risk though if the proposed takeover causes a January transfer embargo. With the Scottish database, there are lots of young loan gems and cheap signings from the Premier League that you can use. Templeton in particular is an excellent signing who develops strongly. Park initially is unpopular with the fans, but does a solid job strengthening a weak overall position for Dunfermline. If you can get him, McCarthy at 16 is an outstanding second season prospect if promotion is clinched. Prunty is another one that can be looked at to get you out of the 1st division, and is cheap to buy. Finally, there are plenty of loan options to help you strengthen across the game, with MacMillan and Murray good young options and examples of young players who can come in and do a job until the finances or takeover is sorted.
Recommended 4-4-2 Line Up
Gallacher (until January, then Paterson)
Woods
Bamba
Thomson
Shields
Glass
Crawford
Simmons
McManus
Burchill
McIntyre
Summary:
Dunfermline Athletic are a good side to choose since they provide an instantly challenging and demanding environment, with the added bonus and challenge of European football with a limited squad and a rumoured potential fans takeover to test the manager. The squad is strong and deep, but aging and needs strengthening for the top flight on a limited budget should you get there. The First Division title is a very attainable target, and the squad can compete in a one off game with the top flight teams. However the real challenge will be not just to get Dunfermline up, but keep them up and turn them into a consistent challenger for the top six and Europe, as they were in the 60s.
Dunfermline Athletic FC
Nation: Scotland
Year Founded: 1885
Status: Professional
Reputation: National
Chairman Status: Will listen to offers
Favoured Personnel: Jim Leishman, Craig Brewster, Lee Bullen, Andy Tod
Fierce Rivals: Falkirk, Raith Rovers
Other Rivals: Cowdenbeath, East Fife
Finances: OK
Estimated Value: £2.3M (Loan Debt: £6.5M)
Stadium: East End Park, Dunfermline
Stadium Capacity: 11998 all seater stadium with undersoil heating
Pitch Dimensions: 101x66m
Maximum Pitch Dimensions: 106x72
Training Facilities: Good
Youth Facilities: Adequate
Continental Competition: EURO (UEFA) Cup
Media Prediction: 2nd
Squad Average Age: 26
Squad Personality: Determined
Home Shirts: White with black collar
Away Shirts: All Blue
Third Shirts: All Black
Club Captain: Scott Thomson
History:
Formed in 1885, Dunfermline Athletic, based in the Scottish town of Dunfermline in Fife and nicknamed the Pars, have had a history that has involved many ups and downs in the traditional manner of the smaller Scottish clubs fighting the Old Firm for supporters. The most successful period in the clubs history was the 1960s, with two Scottish Cup wins in 1961 and 1968, and regular European football (including wins against Everton and Valencia) throughout the decade, but by 1985, the club had fallen into Scotlands third tier. Under inspirational manager Jim Leishman, the club was in the top flight just two years later, but they struggled to establish themselves until recent years.
As recently as 2004, Dunfermline finished 4th in the SPL and qualified for the UEFA Cup after making the Scottish Cup Final, but after losing their manager Jimmy Calderwood to Aberdeen, last season (2006-07) they saw their seven season stint in the SPL end when they were beaten 2-1 by Inverness CT on the same day their closest rivals St Mirren fought back to win 3-2 at Motherwell. Relegation came with a twist though, as reaching the Scottish Cup Final (where they lost to Celtic) qualified the club for the UEFA Cup. The challenge in FM 2008 is to restore the club from Division 1 to the SPL, with the added bonus of European Football to restore funds and finances to the club.
Expectations:
The Scottish First Division is a notoriously tough division to get out off, simply because only the champions go up into the top flight. The expectations of the board and fans is that Dunfermline will go straight back up after relegation, although the media prediction is that the Pars will finish 2nd behind St Johnstone. The board also expects success in the Challenge Cup (a competition for clubs outside the top division) with a minimum expectation of a place in the final. In the domestic cups (League cup and Scottish Cup), the board is aiming for a quarter final place, but are realistic about the clubs chances in the EURO Cup, acknowledging the difficulties the club faces at that level. In reality, a failure to secure promotion in season one will put instant pressue on the FM2008 manager, and a fast start is near essential, especially with takeover rumours from a fans consortium in the air.
The First Division is a league that is winnable however - it plays as a relatively erratic and high scoring league, where any side on their day is capable of winning (and winning big). That means if you can find a consistent formula, your closest rivals will likely keep dropping points, and it should equate to comfortable success. As it plays, the strongest teams in the division are Partick Thistle, St Johnstone, Hamilton, Morton and Dundee in that order. The other teams in the division are Queen Of The South, Clyde, Livingston and Stirling Albion, who are teams Dunfermline should be more than capable of beating.
Squad Overview:
Dunfermline Athletic boast the deepest and most talented squad in the Scottish first division by some distance. The players are largely happy but they are ambitious and restless if they aren't played or the team isn't winning. The Scottish first division imposes no squad size restrictions or salary cap, but the financial limitations on the side and a tight squeeze on wages restrict big signings and push Dunfermline towards loan and youth signings. There's not a great need to buy players to compete in the first division, and it might be prudent to hold out until the January transfer window, especially if there is cash to spend from European competition.
In goal, the number one choice is the loan signing Paul Gallacher, lent to you by Norwich City until January. Gallacher is a good reflex keeper and a former Scotland international who should save you some points under pressure. After January, things get a little more difficult if Gallachers loan can't be extended. The first team back up is the inexperienced but developing Sean Murdoch who can be erratic, but who develops into a decent keeper in time. Also on the books are experienced duo Neil Inglis and Roddy McKenzie who can step in with a reasonable amount of success, although no permanent keepers convince as Gallacher does. The longer term option might be in the under 19s, where seventeen year old Greg Paterson begins to develop over time and is capped for Scotlands under 19 squad. He might be one to look at loaning out if possible for experience. Once Gallacher leaves, it might be a judgement call as to which keeper you find most reliable, since the options are solid but unspectacular.
Dunfermlines greatest weakness is in defence, particularly in a division that plays as high scoring and erratic. This is particularly true at full back, where the options are extremely limited. In the inherited first team squad, the limited Scott Morrison is the only listed option at left back, and the aggressive Greg Shields and the talented Souleymane Bamba the only options at right back. Since Bamba is better used in central defence, Shields has to be used at right back, since the only other option is the on loan to Inverness Phil McGuire (who isn't a bad option and worth looking at recalling). Listed reserve Calum Woods is the best option at left back ahead of Morrison, and ahead of fellow reserve Aaron Labonte, who is repeatedly caught out by faster strikers, but who is worth persisting with in the longer term. With such limited options however full back is the position that most needs strengthening with a loan signing or a long term investment.
Central defence is stronger at Dunfermline with the strong Ivory Coast defender Bamba an automatic choice with youth on his side. At 35, club captain Scott Thomson is transfer listed, but should be taken off the list as his experience is needed as much as his influence. The aforementioned Labonte can also be drafted into central defence but as said, the long ball catches him out far too often. Greg Shields can also step in, as can 30 year old Scott Wilson although like Labonte he lacks genuine pace and acceleration. The final listed first team option is the strong but limited Jamie Harris. Listed as reserves, the 19 year old pair of Pat Halpin and Neil Fenwick are good prospects for the future, and might be worth trialling against limited opposition in the cup. Rounding out the central defence is the on loan to Inverness McGuire. Overall the defence needs strengthening for the top flight if nothing else, but is good enough to dig in against most first division sides.
Beyond the defence, the rest of the squad is strong and experienced, with clear options on the left and right. On the left, Stephen Glass plays far better than his stats suggest, providing plenty of drive and some regular goals. Scott Morrison can also play on the left of midfield, but as a limited option. His namesake Owen and Scott Muirhead are attacking left midfielders with a decent amount of ability and both make handy substitutes. The clear choice on the right of midfield is the more than capable Tam McManus, a clever and dangerous first division winger. Greg Ross is a solid young option, although he plays more of a defensive role. Owen Morrison can also switch to the right hand side and provide some nice touches, while the Irishman Bobby Ryan offers very little to the side. The only reserve team options on the right are Kevin Harper and Ian Williamson, clear candidates for the transfer list.
In the centre of midfield, Greg Ross, Tam McManus and Steven Glass can contribute in flexible roles but the central midfield combination that works best for Dunfermline is a combination of the strong and combative Steven Simmons and attacking midfielder/forward Stevie Crawford. Playing Crawford in midfield allows decent tactical flexibility and the ability to push him forward if a goal is required, and his natural inclination is to push forward anyway. Simmons is strong and aggressive and does the leg work for the side. An excellent alternate is Darren Young, who will perform the same role as Simmons and provide plenty of aggression. The centre of midfield should provide plenty of problems for the opposition you face, with listed young reserves Gary Maclachlan and Nick Phinn capable of being drafted into the side an injury crisis to offer you plenty of flexible options.
Pushing Crawford into a creative role brings former Celtic striker Mark Burchill into his own as Dunfermlines key forward. Burchill is too good for most first division defences and creates plenty of chances with his skill, but his finishing can be erratic. Tam McManus can be drafted up front as well, but the only other options are Jim Hamilton and Jim McIntyre, both over 30 and handy at this level, but not the next level up. McIntyre plays marginally better as a goal scorer but it's a judgement call with Hamilton strong in the air and slightly younger. McIntyre is also transfer listed as the game begins. The position could definitely use some strengthening however, especially if you use Crawford in the creative role.
The youth squad at Dunfermline does contain some talented players and should be strongly looked at as a source of players to step up and cover problem positions, especially in a relatively weak division. The mentioned Greg Paterson, flexible full back Derek Howie and talented striker Charlie Bradshaw are among the stand out players not included in the first or reserve team squad overview.
Potential Signings:
David Templeton (AMR, FC) - Hearts (Permanent, 35K)
Matthew Park (D/M L) - Hearts (Permanent, 16K)
James McCarthy (M C) - Hamilton (Permanent, 85K)
Bryan Prunty (F C) - Airdrie United (Permanent 26K)
Jordan MacMillan (D RC) - Rangers (Loan)
Cameron Murray (D RC/WB R) - Motherwell (Loan)
With funds limited, it might be worth waiting until the January transfer window to invest, especially if you can somehow scrape into some bigger games in the EURO cup. This can be a risk though if the proposed takeover causes a January transfer embargo. With the Scottish database, there are lots of young loan gems and cheap signings from the Premier League that you can use. Templeton in particular is an excellent signing who develops strongly. Park initially is unpopular with the fans, but does a solid job strengthening a weak overall position for Dunfermline. If you can get him, McCarthy at 16 is an outstanding second season prospect if promotion is clinched. Prunty is another one that can be looked at to get you out of the 1st division, and is cheap to buy. Finally, there are plenty of loan options to help you strengthen across the game, with MacMillan and Murray good young options and examples of young players who can come in and do a job until the finances or takeover is sorted.
Recommended 4-4-2 Line Up
Gallacher (until January, then Paterson)
Woods
Bamba
Thomson
Shields
Glass
Crawford
Simmons
McManus
Burchill
McIntyre
Summary:
Dunfermline Athletic are a good side to choose since they provide an instantly challenging and demanding environment, with the added bonus and challenge of European football with a limited squad and a rumoured potential fans takeover to test the manager. The squad is strong and deep, but aging and needs strengthening for the top flight on a limited budget should you get there. The First Division title is a very attainable target, and the squad can compete in a one off game with the top flight teams. However the real challenge will be not just to get Dunfermline up, but keep them up and turn them into a consistent challenger for the top six and Europe, as they were in the 60s.
