Two out for start

Steven Bell and Sol Bamba both to miss the season's kick off

Dunfermline will start their season without Sol Bamba and new signing Steven Bell. Bamba will be going to the Olympics in China to represent Ivory Coast and Bell is needing an operation. Jim McIntyre explained the bad luck that has been inflicted upon his close season signing from Stirling Albion:-

"He has hurt himself and damaged his cartilage, it looks like he will be out for four to six weeks.It's a real blow for the boy, as well as the team.He would have been suspended for the first couple of league games, but we would have wanted him for pre season and he would have been eligible for the cup games.  It looks like a wee tear. He was being a good professional looking after himself but a lump came out on his knee."

Entering his first full season in charge of the team Macca is seeking only one outcome:-

"Most definitely promotion.I think we have players here who can definitely achieve that.We know how difficult the league is and we're not going to say we're going to do this or that, that would be foolish. You saw how difficult it was last seasonand that showed with the teams who had Cup runs last season like Queen of the South and St Johnstone. We are under no illusions; they have all strengthened, and I think its going to be a stronger league as strong as it has been in a long time.

"It's always been a difficult league and that is proven with the fact that the only team that has come down and gone back up was Hibs and that was nine years ago under McLeish.  It's going to be difficult but it's vital we get off to a good start."

The Manager is clear in that he needs to add to his squad:-

"There's no doubt about it, and that is why I'll not sign players just for the sake of it, it's got to be the right type and the right player.

"I've effectively signed three boys and hopefully will be signing three or four more, if I'm lucky.  It's the old clich? - it's your own team now, but I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the boys that are here, they are good pros and they've worked their backside off for me. They helped get me the job, I've got every faith in them and hopefully we can pick the right ones to complement what's here."