Contract signings

Lewis Martin and Ryan Williamson commit to end of season after next

DAFC are delighted to announce that Ryan Williamson and Lewis Martin have both signed today extended contracts to 31 May 2016. This will provide a real boost to the Club's supporters, who have seen these talented players come into the First Team at a very young age and performed admirably.  Both Ryan and Lewis put pen to paper at East End Park, joined by their proud fathers Andy and Davie, and the boys can be seen above with Manager, Jim Jefferies and Coach, John Potter.

The interim Board are working hard behind the scenes at present to secure the future of our talented young squad, and today's news is hopefully the start of more positive developments in this regard.

The success of the Centenary Club Lifeline has enabled the Club to extend the contracts of Ryan and Lewis and secure some of our most prized assets. It is a credit to those supporters who have already become members, and it is hoped that this news will encourage more Pars fans to both sign up, and continue with their monthly membership in the long term.

A very happy Jim Jefferies commented:-

"This is a tremendous boost for everyone associated at the Club and rewards Ryan and Lewis for their efforts over the past few years. It is to their credit that this news comes hot on the heels of both of them receiving recognition in the Scotland set up. We have shown at the Club that age is not a barrier, if you are good enough you will be given an opportunity.  Ryan and Lewis are now examples for other younger players to aspire to.

"I asked the supporters to buy into our philosophy of bringing young players on, some 18 months ago and this is the fruits of all of our labour. The fans have backed me and my staff 100% so they deserve credit.

"These young players have now been given a platform by our Club to move forward in their careers, and are lucky to be working every day with a talented young coaching staff who have allowed them to develop as players.  Finally, I would also like to credit Stephen Wright who spotted both Ryan and Lewis at a young age, when other Club's did not have the same belief in the boys and brought them to DAFC but also had the foresight to change their position to allow them to improve their game.  Stephen and his team do a fantastic job for the Club, and do not always receive the recognition they deserve."

Lewis Martin is a tall centre back from Bonnybridge. Having started his football at the local boys club, Lewis attended Denny High School and having been at Rangers from U10s he arrived at Dunfermline at under 17 level in season 2011-12. Credits his coach at Rangers, Alan Boyd as key to his development.

Lewis who will be 18 in April made his first team debut when he came on as a second half sub at Cappielow back in April 2013. He was selected to train with Scotland U18 squad in December 2013 and made his first senior start: on the eve of that training camp, v Ayr United.

Ryan Williamson started out in his football career aged 8 at Rothes Juniors Boys Club. He joined Celtic as a 12 year old and was there for two seasons before coming to Dunfermline. The right back is the son of former Pars defender Andy Williamson he rates his dad as his biggest influence. Ryan who will be 18 in March, attended Auchmuty High School in Glenrothes and ranks Stevie Paterson as his most important coach so far.

Ryan made his senior debut in August when he replaced Ross Millen in the match against Arbroath. First team debut was against Brechin City in November. His match against Stranraer last Saturday was his seventh start. Ryan also attended the Scotland U18 training camp last month.