Austin McCann has insisted Dunfermline will have to get their home form sorted out next season if they are to stand any chance of promotion.
The Pars certainly signed off at East End Park in style at the weekend with a rout of relegation-threatened Morton.
McCann said the team were determined to put on a good show for the fans and revealed he has signed a new two-year deal with the Fifers.
“As it was our last home game we wanted to give the fans some optimism for next season,” he told Courier Sport.Midfielder Nick Phinn got the Pars off to the perfect start with a blistering header and then Steve Bell bagged the first of three.
Dunfermline’s dominance was briefly threatened when referee Steve Conroy awarded a penalty against Calum Woods for hand ball. However, the Pars bounced back quickly and by half-time were three-one up.Bell rounded off his hat-trick when Conroy awarded a penalty for handball at the other end, this time against Ton defender Alan Reid.
McCann said, “Over the course of the game I thought we played well. We were a bit disappointed to lose a penalty it was a bit soft but we managed to get ourselves back into the game straight away and settle back down.” The 30-year-old believes home form will be key to next year’s campaign.
“Our home form was disappointing last year,” he added. “It’s improved this year, but we’ve still lost six games at home and to win the league that’s too many.
“That’s got to be our aim next year, to pick up as many points at home as possible.
“You find through most leagues the teams that win have a very good home record and that’s what we’ve got to look to next year.”
He also hopes manager Jim McIntyre can keep most of the squad together for next season.
“There are a few boys out of contract,” McCann said. “I’ve got myself sorted out, so I’ll be here next season, but hopefully the manager can keep the majority of the boys together. It’s a good squad and there’s a good spirit about the place.
“I don’t know what the budget is, but hopefully the manager can add one or two quality players and take us to that next level.”
McIntyre was chuffed with the way his players tackled what was essentially a meaningless fixture for the Pars.
“I thought the boys approached the game in the right manner,” he said.
Dunfermline have confirmed the team’s shirt sponsors, The Purvis Group, are sticking with the side next season.
The company, which started out in plant hire but has since diversified, became the club’s shirt sponsor in 2005-6.