Today David Buick gives us a whistle stop guide to his beloved Dunfermline Athletic.
How would you assess your club's 22/23 season so far?
Brilliant, we’ve had a superb start to the season. After relegation last season we knew we had to be fighting to win the league and bounce straight back up. I thought we’d be up near the top, but to be seven points clear at the top by the start of December is fantastic. James McPake has brought a steel to the team and an ability to grind out consistent results. The togetherness in the group of players is clear to see.
Main Man: Favourite current player and why
Kyle Benedictus. McPake’s first signing in the summer and now club captain, Bene has been outstanding since signing for the big club in Fife. We have the best defensive record in the country so far this season and his performances and leadership are the integral to that. It’s also great to see a proper leader as captain who takes responsibility and is clearly respected by his teammates. He’s also taken up penalty duties and slotted away all he’s taken so far, which is a bonus!
What is your earliest memory supporting your club?
The first season I can really remember was the 2006/07 season. The Pars were relegated from the SPL that season, but also went on a fantastic run to the Scottish Cup final. We beat Hearts, Hibs and Rangers on the way, with Jim McIntyre’s Panenka penalty against Hibs in the semi-final probably the highlight of the season. It’s certainly a vivid early memory watching that going in.
Explain the nickname
I probably have the hardest job of any trying to explain my club’s nickname. The short answer is I don’t know. There are numerous theories as to where “The Pars” originated from. If you’re curious, Google it and make your own mind up.
Almost Famous – What is your club best known for?
Our European escapades in the 60s. The highlight and certainly the most famous result being the 6-2 win over Valencia at East End Park, overturning a 4-0 first leg defeat. A record that was only beaten recently with Barcelona came back from 4-0 down to defeat PSG in the Champions League (the Pars even got a mention on the tele that night).
Greatest Gaffer: Your favourite/most loved boss watching your team
This is a bit of a struggle for me, I listed the managers in my time supporting the Pars and it’s not a great list! Jim McIntyre won us the First Division and got us promoted to the top-flight, so he goes down as the most successful. But I’m not sure I’d say I loved him as a manager. Same goes for Allan Johnston who also won a promotion. I’m putting my neck on the line and going to just go with McPake. I have loved his tenure so far and I’m very confident he will be very successful as a Pars manager.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about your club which other fans may not know?
Dunfermline are the only team to ever knock the reigning European Champions out of the Scottish Cup. We defeated Jock Stein’s Lisbon Lions in the first round of the 1967-68 Scottish Cup on the way to winning the cup ourselves.
Who would make your ultimate all-time 5-a-side team?
1. Paul Gallacher - The best goalie I’ve seen in a Pars shirt. Loved a penalty save!
2. Callum Woods - A fantastic full back with an unbelievable engine getting up and down the right side. He’ll need that as the only defender in this team.
3. Martin Hardie - Just had to be in the team. Loved a big game and scored goals at important moments.
4. Joe Cardle - Two spells at the Pars with magic in both. A modern-day Pars legend. Pace, skill and goals.
5. Kevin Nisbet - The best striker I’ve seen at Dunfermline by a distance. Goals, goals, goals.
What is your all-time favourite match?
23rd of April 2011 at a sold-out East End Park. Dunfermline 2-1 Raith. Martin Hardie day. An unbelievable game and result. The celebrations in the ground when Hardie scored the free kick to win it will live with me forever. A victory over your nearest league and local rivals to all but seal the title is the stuff dreams are made of.
What should visiting fans make sure they see/do when visiting your club/town?
For me, the best thing to do in Dunfermline is watch the Pars at East End Park. But, one thing anyone visiting Dunfermline will now be able to do is say that they’ve visited Scotland’s newest city.
What makes your club special to YOU?
Everything about the club. It’s a tough old slog following the Pars, especially in my lifetime. There has been a lot of pain and suffering, with the odd moment of happiness and joy. We’ve had administration, been minutes away from liquidation and saved from the brink of extinction. I’ve seen relegations, missing three penalties in one game and numerous play-off defeats.
But it’s all worth it for the moment when things do go our way. When you get a big day out and the result you want, there’s nothing quite like it. The phrase sleeping giant is thrown about a lot. Though there is no doubt that a club with the fanbase and history of Dunfermline should be in the top-flight. We’ll get there eventually. I have no doubt. But until then I’ll just enjoy the ride. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
You can follow Dunfermline Athletic's progress every week in our SPFL Lower League Round Up - watch the latest edition now!
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