Dunfermline Athletic will raise the League One flag this Saturday at home to fellow newly promoted side Airdrie.
Pre-season fitness work and fixtures have been completed, though the higher level of opposition didn’t translate to progression in the Viaplay Cup.
The Pars were drawn in a fairly wide-open group but eight points wasn’t enough to secure either of the top two spots.
There was a lot to like about the performances but, as pointed out by manager James McPake, a lot to work on ahead of their return to the Championship.
Courier Sport previews the 2023/24 season for the League One champions.
How are Dunfermline likely to set up going into the 2023/24 Championship season?
After switching between a back three and back four last season, James McPake appears to have settled on the former.
The front three can become two strikers with the other player in behind.
It’s also a toss-up between Rhys Breen and Ewan Otoo on the left side of defence and the latter will also be used at times in midfield.
How Dunfermline will likely line up: pic.twitter.com/6UPRSaVjq3
— Craig Cairns (@craigcairns001) July 22, 2023
McPake switched things up a lot before and during matches last season as he looked for different ways to break down packed defences.
This campaign is completely different as they will be facing a higher level of opposition most weeks.
If the performance at Stark’s Park is anything to go by then they will look to hit teams on the counter more often than they did last season.
Where will Dunfermline Athletic finish?
As a newly promoted team, and given how the previous season in the Championship turned out, staying in the division will be the priority.
Once that looks to be secured, the Pars will privately have higher ambitions.
A lot will depend on who is signed – they are a little behind some other sides in that department – but if their previous business is anything to go by, they will be the right players when they are added.
Midtable should be the minimum this squad is capable of but if they add the right players, recent seasons in the Championship have shown that the upper reaches of the league can be blown wide open.
Who will be the Pars’ key player?
Last year was about the collective, with certain players stepping up at different points of the season.
Thought captain Kyle Benedictus stood out, marshalling a young side through games and to record-breaking amounts of clean sheets.
At the other end of the pitch, Craig Wighton will be looking to build on his 20-goal season – his manager has said there is “more to come”.
The striker has been around for a long time but is now entering his prime years.
Seen as one of the more experienced heads in a young squad, the 26-year-old was more than just his goals last season.
Wighton is a clever forward who finds space, has a flick or two in him when linking with team-mates and is key to their attack.
Who is star summer signing for DAFC?
Kane Ritchie-Hosler was one of three players to impress on loan last season and then return to the club on a three-year deal.
He unfortunately picked up an injury before the season kicked off but once he returns he will be key to Dunfermline’s attack.
After fans were denied a proper look at him in pre-season and the League Cup, whether he is used as a right-wingback or further forward remains to be seen.
In either position, his skill, burst of pace and delivery will be crucial when the Pars hit sides on the counter-attack or when trying to unlock packed defences.
Which player could have a breakthrough season for East End Park men?
With a lack of available options in attack in recent matches, Andrew Tod has stepped up – though his manager has stressed he is ready and not there to make up numbers.
He has not only not looked out of place, he was one of Dunfermline’s better players in the two most recent matches.
Against Kilmarnock, he came close to scoring an equaliser and versus Albion Rovers he set up Josh Edwards’ opener before being denied by a great save in the second half after some terrific skill.
More players will be added to the Pars attack before the end of the window, but whether it is at the club or on loan, it will be a big season for Tod’s development.
Key question that looms large for the Pars
Who will Dunfermline add to their squad and when will they do it?
This is the main issue bothering some supporters at the moment.
The Pars changed their transfer strategy last summer and business in the last two windows has again been slower than some other sides.
With the league season days away, the Pars are light up front after the departures of Kevin O’Hara and Nikolay Todorov – the latter of which will face his old side in Saturday’s season opener.
Michael O’Halloran should bother opposition defences when he returns and more recruits of that calibre will serve them well for the season ahead.
