A warning from voice of experience

"A lot of teams that come down are looked upon by teams in the First Division as a bit of a scalp and Dunfermline will be one of those teams.

John Potter has led the Dunfermline team out in the first two pre season friendlies. After being loaned out to Queen of the South for the latter half of last season he is glad to be back at Dunfermline even though it was not in the role he expected:-

"The Manager has stressed that in pre season this is a workout, a fitness exercise; he is trying to bed a few things in. He seems happy enough, a wee bit disappointed with the scoreline but you don't read too much into that in pre season. It is about getting to know each other and getting to play with new players."

The match against John McGlynn's Hearts looked far from friendly at times with three yellow cards being brandished by referee David Somers. John added:-

"There were a few tough tackles but that's what you want in pre season; you don't want games that are false. That was more what it is going to be like. Hearts were a strong team and pressed very well. We were trying to do the same but obviously it was difficult because they are a good team. These are the types of games that get you ready for the season."

John explained that he is the coach for the Under 20s at Dunfermline but still signed as a player as well:-

"I am doing a bit of both but I imagine the Manager will make a few more signings but I am available to play while taking the Under 20s as well. At the moment I am doing both jobs and enjoying it."

The 32 year old played 45 minutes against East Fife and then the full 90 against Hearts.

"I felt I did OK and have played with Andy Dowie before. He was probably our best player last year in the Premier League. He will be playing centre back and the Manager will maybe make a signing or two in the defensive areas so I need to do my best if I want to start the season. I want to play as many games as I can, I will keep myself fit and then it is up to the Manager to decide."

John gave an assessment of how it might be in the First Division for the Pars in the coming season:-

"It will be tough, we need to start properly, that is vital. A lot of teams that come down are looked upon by teams in the First Division as a bit of a scalp and Dunfermline will be one of those teams. You can't go and strut about thinking you are going to do this and do that. We will need to get stuck in early on and the first game against Cowdenbeath will be a real test.

"They will be on a high having won the league last season, they will be positive and with us getting beat in a lot of games last season we cannot go in to that game with a negative feeling. We will have to be positive straight from the start and if we can start the season well in the first five or six games then I am confident that we will grow into the season and hopefully do well."

Potts ready for third return