Football Season Guide

East Fife had a slightly disappointing season last time around, in which Darren Young struggled to maintain any kind of positive momentum during his first season at the club. They finished in the middle of the table but with a group of players that the manager inherited and did not necessarily want. He made do with what he had and this summer there has been a dramatic change at New Bayview. Eleven players have left, although some of these were not desired. Jonny Page, Connor McManus and Chris Duggan were all figures that Young wanted to build the team around and it has been complicated finding effective replacements for them. There are signs that the Fifers are building towards having a stronger team, with the defence a subject of focus from the manager, who has signed Ross Dunlop, an old ally from his time at Albion Rovers. He is not spectacular but he is solid. Daryll Meggatt should also be a fine addition, though he missed the second half of last season due to injury. In midfield, meanwhile, Liam Watt and Scott Agnew could both be very effective offensive signings but they both struggled last season at Brechin and Stranraer respectively. Past form suggests they are better players than they showed, however. Ross Davidson, meanwhile, will be the anchor in the heart of the field, though he is a more consistent player, as Young well knows from his time at Albion Rovers. There should, however, be some concerns over a lack of finishing power in the Fifers’ ranks. Jonny Court has arrived from East Fife and is a gangly forward, though one largely unproven, and it may be that Kevin Smith is used alongside him, though he is rather injury prone and did not perform well last term. Anton Dowds has arrived from Heriot Watt University but is an unknown quantity. East Fife still have need of improvement and the loan market could be vital in determining how they do this term. It could yet go either way.