SPFL Development League Return
Sunday, 5th Jul 2015Dunfermline Athletic will play in the top SPFL Development League again in season 2015-2016.
The club were delighted to receive confirmation on Friday and coach John Potter responded:-
"The higher league clubs are in the Development League but we have to apply to be in it because of our league position. They look at things like players in the first team, youth academy, internationalists. The club put the application in and I am delighted to say that we got it.
"It is a big compliment to how we did in that league last season and how players have got in the first team in the last few years. It is still important; I know the first team is the most important thing at the club but you want to keep producing your own players. We are doing that and last season we worked out that there was on average five home grown players playing every game. It is an important part of the club that we want to keep going."
Fixtures will be announced this week but the Premier League and Championship clubs that will form the opposition will give the young Pars players, players returning from injury and those not given a game at the weekend, the opportunity to play against some of the best players in Scotland. Last season his side finished on 33 points, 14th in the league of 17 but that was ahead of Hearts, Inverness and Ross County.
Potts continued:-
"They will play in some of the top stadiums against some of the top players. That is what you want to do. It will be a big test especially for our very young under 20 group this season. We have eight, possibly nine young full timers and we will supplement that with some under seventeens and some squad players."
Most of the home matches will be played at East End Park but a second venue is also required in that league and that is currently being considered. Preparations will include two pre season friendlies away to Kelty Hearts (21st July) and Hill of Beath (29th July). If it can be fitted in and squad size increases other junior opponents might be added.
John Potter will be the Development team coach but having played 30 minutes on Saturday and possibly starting at Berwick on Monday night, the 35 year old explained:-
"I just wanted to keep fit. I wouldn't say it's a big comeback! I am fitter now than I was last season and just helping out at the moment. The manager said that we are a bit tight with numbers and I said that I was available to play."
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