Today Scott Young gives us a guide to his hometown club, East Fife.
How would you assess your club's 22/23 season so far?
Started off with a bit of worry due to a high turnover of players from the previous season, with the average age of the team dropping massively. The League Cup group stage didn’t start too well, but a good second half against Buckie saved face.
Stevie Crawford left the club sitting in 3rd to go to Dundee United. He was replaced by his assistant, and club legend, Greig McDonald which went down well with fans.
The league has been very promising, with the team seemingly learning week by week from their mistakes and growing in confidence. They are now playing an attractive, attacking style of football which is entertaining!
Main Man: Favourite current player and why:
There have been a few clear standouts this seaon with Jack Healy, Joao Balde, Alex Ferguson, and Scott Shepherd all being worth of a mention. Jack Healy is probably a favourite however, as he has scored a bunch of fantastic goals, which has been great to see.
What is your earliest memory supporting your club?
Earliest memory is playing Ultimate Manager back in 96 on the PC. However, the first game I can remember at Bayview was a friendly against Tranmere Rovers. I think we got battered by a few goals, so have tried to erase it from my memory.
Explain the nickname
The Fifers - Self-explanatory, as we are the only Fife team with the name of the council area in it.
Almost Famous – What is your club best known for?
First side to win the League Cup 3 times.
First side to win the Scottish Cup from the 2nd tier.
Most successful club in Fife in terms of major honours.
Greatest Gaffer: Your favourite/most loved boss watching your team
Notable mentions for Dave Baikie and Gary Naysmith who both won titles in my time supporting the club. But my favourite manager was Darren Young. We managed to break a lot of hoodoos the club had over it, such as beating Raith for the first time in over 30 years home and away. We also produced some huge cup upsets too. The team were consistently challenging for the play-offs during most of his time at the club which was a testament to both him and the squad. Unfortunately, it wasn’t sustainable, and we dropped out of League 1 last season.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about your club which other fans may not know?
One of our players back in the 40s, Henry Morris, played in an 8-2 win for Scotland over Northern Ireland, bagging a hat-trick in his only appearance for the national team. That must make him the most prolific players in Scotland’s history with an average of 3 goals per game!
Who would make your ultimate all-time 5-a-side team?
- Scott Fox – One of the best keepers to ever grace Bayview Stadium.
- Greig McDonald – Now club manager, a rock-solid defender in his playing days.
- Johnny Smart – A club legend. A central defender who had a bit of everything. Still a very popular figure at Bayview!
- David Muir – A local lad who always gave 100%. Dug in constantly and was a huge fans’ favourite.
- Paul McManus – Had what seems like 10 spells with us. A tremendous striker with the ability to finish anything given to him - just what a 5-a-side team needs!
What is your all-time favourite match?
Aberdeen 3-3 East Fife
(East Fife win 3-4 on penalties)
A topsy turvy game where we went 1-0 up, 2-1 down and 3-2 up before an injury time penalty for Aberdeen levelled the scores at 3-3! A Mark Ridgers masterclass which saw him save 3 shootout penalties helped us to victory. An incredible game.
What should visiting fans make sure they see/do when visiting your club/town?
Worth taking in the club’s hospitality if you get the chance. It has been broadcast far and wide via Football Focus on BBC and is popular among fans. Be sure to contact the club and book up beforehand.
What makes your club special to YOU?
I can walk down to the games as the stadium is only 10 minutes from my house. They are my dad’s team, and both my brothers are fans too. It is a real community club. Kids of all ages represent the many community teams under the club’s umbrella all the way up to the U20s – of which, many lads have ended up playing for the first team. Times aren’t always rosy, as with most clubs. But that just makes the highs even better - especially the unexpected ones.
You can follow East Fife's progress every week in our SPFL Lower League Round Up - watch the latest edition now!
