Contracted for opportunity

Allan Smith and Ross Millen have today (Friday) signed new contracts that extend their Dunfermline careers until at least the end of next season.

Allan Smith and Ross Millen with Bob Garmory

Allan Smith and Ross Millen have today (Friday) signed new contracts that extend their Dunfermline careers until at least the end of next season.

Manager Jim Jefferies was delighted to secure these two young players for another season:-

"Both have done extremely well, Allan has been plagued with injury but he did well for us last year and started off the season well. He is one for the future.

"Both are capable of playing their part in the first team and have the potential to go on and get better. They are very young and make mistakes but with working with them on the training ground every day it brings them on.

"Everybody trains together here and I think that it is being in with the more experienced players that has brought young players on. They are having to learn fast and that has been a big plus. We can see that every day in training and in the games that these lads have got something to offer and that's why we want to keep them here."

"It is better to know now than have to wait until the end of the season" said Allan Smith. " I wasn't expecting anything but the gaffer pulled me in and told me that he wanted me for another year. I was delighted and wanted to sign."

This is the borderer's third season at East End Park and the twenty year old striker claims that the biggest influence on his progression is under 20s coach, John Potter:-

"He just keeps me right all the time and is always positive about things. Dargs, Neil McCann and the gaffer are good as well. I feel I get better and better as the days go on."

Allan has been played wide and also through the middle and he claims that he is not troubled by that just a long as he gets a game.

"I just try and do well for the team. I have no favourite position and I just enjoy my football.  The aim is to win promotion and if we achieve that I will be over the moon."

Ross Millen was really pleased to have been offered another year at Dunfermline especially since he was unsure if he would be. No doubt his recent form and being part of the defence that achieved its third successive shut out helped his cause.

"I have done my part and delighted that I am back in the team but it can always change, I just need to keep my head down, keep working away and hopefully give the gaffer a headache."

Ross has found himself playing at the right of a back three, right back or right of a four in the middle of the park. He claimed:-

"I can play anywhere and you are not really bothered as such as long as you are playing."

Father, Andy Millen who is assistant manager at Ayr United was as delighted as his 19 year old son Ross that a contract was offered by Dunfermline.

"He is as happy as me" revealed Ross who praised the coaching staff for his success. "It is going to be two tough games if we are in the play offs."

Jim Jefferies has told both players that he would revisit their contracts if promotion was achieved and they did well in the Championship.

"They have to get a good start on the season, pick their game up like everybody has to do at the club because that will be a tough league next year. If you want to get to the top you have to show that you can handle it.

"They have been given the opportunity to do that, take it up and raise their game. Their goal is to have that contract extended further. If you are in a tougher league you have a big challenge."