Manager on Friday

09/07/10:- Jim McIntyre and new signing Chris Smith ahead of the opening pre season fixture against Hibs.

Jim McIntyre advised that there will be a few players missing for tomorrow's opening friendly at home to Hibs:-

"Willie Gibson will miss out because he has a sore achilles following on from his knee problem. He did a couple of days running but then felt his achilles; it is a bit of a blow because it is stopping him getting the fitness work done.

"Alex Keddie has dislocated his thumb and although it has been popped back into place there is a bit of ligament damage there and he is not to do anything for the next ten days. He is not to play games but he can still do training and fitness work. That's another blow but these are things that happen and you just have to get on with it."

So no Gibson or Keddie but there was another added Macca:-

"Alex Burke pulled out of training this morning feeling his calf."

After the rigours of pre season training the Pars squad will welcome matches:-

"The boys are ready to play; they have done loads of double sessions in training and given everything they have but they are now looking forward to the games starting. Pre season games are all about getting your fitness levels up and getting your touch back."

Games start Saturday but in the next three weeks Dunfermline will play seven matches. The Manager agreed they come thick and fast:-

"It is Saturday/Tuesday, Saturday/Wednesday but that's what we want. We want the games now."

Commenting on his latest acquisition, goalkeeper Chris Smith Jim McIntyre said:-

"We are delighted to get big Chris. He is delighted to be here and we are delighted to have him. He did very well when here on loan last season; he fills the goal because he is a big lad. He has been training on his own because St Mirren didn't start back until this week so he will be rusty as well as the rest of the lads but that's what these games are for. These games are not to judge anybody but to get the match fitness levels back."

There is a big advantage in that the new keeper already knows his Dunfermline team mates:-

"He kept in touch with a few even when he left. We know what kind of boy we are bringing in and he knows the place well."

Friday 09/07/10:- Keepers Kyle Allison and Chris Smith

Chris Smith also spoke to the website on Friday:-

"I am glad that the Manager brought me back to give me an opportunity to play as many games as I can for Dunfermline. Hopefully I can repay the faith that he has shown in me. Everybody wants to be in the SPL but I wouldn't have come here had I not the belief that we could get back into the SPL. I am more than confident that we can. I played here last season for nine games and I have confidence that the boys can get promoted. I am here to try and take the team to the SPL."

Having now come three times from St Mirren to Dunfermline, Chris Smith is looking forward to working again with Gerry McCabe and Jim McIntyre:-

"They are great people even the physio, and the boys are a good bunch with a good team spirit. It's similar to the one that I got promoted to the SPL with St Mirren. That was a big reason I came here .

"There are good defenders here at Dunfermline and they are a right good footballing team - probably one of the best in the league. I am fully confident that we will be doing well this season.

"I have been doing a training programme - you might think you are on holiday but you are running. I had a ten day break when I went away on holiday but once you come back you just follow the programme that you have been given. I feel alright just now but it is pre season and I just need to train as much as I can and get myself prepared for the league.

"For everybody it is all about getting your match sharpness back and being ready and raring to go."