PST Has Their Finger on the Pulse

When Allan Johnston became Dunfermline Athletic manager in May 2015, it soon became clear he was a forward-thinking coach, keen on the use of modern technology to give his team an edge over their opponents.

Not only was he quick to recruit the services of Sport Scientist Gary McColl, he was also interested in using data gained from match analysis and, in particular, the use of heart monitors which would enable his backroom team to scrutinise the fitness of the first team squad and identify areas where each individual could make improvements.

However, enough heart monitoring equipment to cater for a football team can be an expensive purchase so, originally, a number of supporters groups came together to fund this particular investment in the team. A further contribution, funded solely by the PST, was then given to provide the additional equipment required for the whole squad, not just the first team.

Gary McColl explained “The system we use not only allows us to track heart rate data, but also has built in GPS sensors which allows us to monitor how far the players travel in training and at what intensity. The analysis of this data is vital for monitoring training on an acute session by session basis and also on a longitudinal basis over a number of weeks. The data collected helps shape training whereby we know when to ramp up the intensity of training or when to ease off the players either individually or collectively. Ultimately, the use of heart rate/GPS units allows us to monitor training, achieve fitness/performance goals and reduce the likelihood of muscle strain or overuse injuries”.

Recently, a new request has been made to further enhance the range of monitoring equipment available to the backroom staff. Once again, the PST were only too happy to purchase the kit, a set of base layer vest tops with an inbuilt pocket for storing the monitors which will provide invaluable data when worn during live game situations.

PST Chair, Drew Main added “The PST will always try and support these kinds of requests from the club, it’s exactly the kind of thing we raise funds for via our many fundraising ventures whilst also trying to help other groups within the Pars family from time to time. It’s clear how much more help we could give by recruiting even more members who can join for as little as £20 a year”.

For more information about the Pars Supporters Trust, or to become a member, please visit our website www.parssupporterstrust.co.uk.