Handsome_Devil

I'm certain it's not dark arts at work, it's more that given our recent efforts I don't like anything that projects the image of FP being a chaotic bin fire. I'm not really into management BS but it seems obvious that if you want to be well-run and engaging on big things, being well-run and engaging on small things is a good place to start.

Indeed. It was reported everywhere he was signed till this summer and then suddenly a local paper drops in he has an extra year: https://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/23502840.dunfermline-robbie-mahon-familys-trip-league-one-trophy-lift/

Very much this. I don't want to go all 'I pay my monthly tenner, tell me everything' but ultimately the club relies on keeping fans engaged and part of that is knowing how (some) decisions are made and judging them. When SOD - presumably on a wage reflecting his status as a Scotland starter when he signed - extends, people are totally entitled to ask just how that came about. Ditto Efford...say we hit a sticky patch next season and the club want fans to back SK - it's entirely reasonable to want to know if he volunteered a contract to a player like that or not.

It is indeed. And while there's obviously little sympathy for the players, the contrast to years gone by is startling. Anyway, SK said three weeks off which would suggest returning to FP for admin and starting prep on June 19 before Holland June 24-July 1. Presumably that weekend of the return is basically free and then depending on the LC schedule we have a week or week and a half for local(ish) friendlies.

That's one of the most bizarre retained lists I've seen...why on earth announce things like that?

By the end it was one of the best but between full-time at Ibrox and Johnson scoring is about as jittery as I've ever been in my life. It was the rollercoaster of accepting relegation, the first leg and then the terror of what if we screw this up...even when not especially on top on in the first half we were rarely in danger but there was a moment just before half time when Zaliukas (I think) dumped a corner over the bar when he should have scored and had that gone in...

Indeed, I can't remember a player this hyped since Semple. It's worth remembering that while he obviously now gets judged by senior standards, Lennon starting a league game in midfield (not even floating around up front or out wide) and not looking completely lost is pretty incredible by itself. The kid who got on in Paisley on the opening day (Spiers?) barely kicked the ball and Johnston looked totally out of his depth v St J a couple of years ago, albeit in the toughest debut in history.

I was only watching sneakily on the phone at a BBQ but I thought - relative to his age etc - he did fine. Will be very curious to see if we try to pap him out on loan so he can play every week or if we reckon he's close enough to regular minutes in the big team it's worth keeping him at FP next season while also (perversely compared to option 1) making sure he doesn't burn out by playing every week.

I think the only one freed so far I'd be remotely eager to take is Omeonga from Livingston and even then I'm not convinced I'm not massively overestimating him by mistake. There's no doubt a handful of others who could do a job as squad players but we seem well stocked in that regard already...

That gives me the fear, a new record for the new season. To keep this simple: no

There will no doubt be time for more sober reflections but the three months of SK have been incredibly enjoyable - and the development from being solid and winning to actually playing a bit of football occasionally, if not all the time. It's worth pointing out we usually manage to build on strong Jan-May spells the next season and the last time we had to replace a 25-league-goal striker we actually finished second... Bizarrely I'm very calm about losing KVV and much more concerned about keeping Casey, Butcher not being out long-term and us being able to shuffle some in contract guys out the door to make space on the wage bill. If those three things fall well for us we'll be fine next season (midtable - no promises of more!). If not, we're potentially in for another long haul as much - similar to KVV - I suspect SK has stumbled across a career spell and this magic simply can't go on.

Wage thief or just badly used...who knows. He's clearly not the only one who has massively improved under SK but was it really just Hammell not getting the most out of him or was he a little guilty of jogging it in? Who knows. Goss is obviously the same - was he the invisible man just because of the system/confidence or just strolling it? You've guessed it, who knows...

It not end badly? I vaguely remember a bit of giruy when he scored v them last season. I don't understand how either the VAR official or match referee can suggest/award a penalty for handball on review while ignoring the blatant elbow to the head.

It obviously is under the radar compared to KVV but Spittal has been superb - six goals, enough assists that he is into double figures for contributing...general play becoming excellent too - even today's goal was started by him winning a header.

I'm as curious as everyone about summer but I think we might be in for less business than hoped...we must have fair flown into next season's budget with our January and February expenses. No argument, obviously, but unless we are hitting the jackpot in a few places I suspect cash will be as tight as ever.

Our performance in the first half - after getting KVV his record - was shocking. Basketball-esque in the second half which was understandable and quite fun to watch. Mugabi was awful but by no means the only one...SK will need a ruthless streak and someone at the club some serious acumen in moving on some in contract players if next season isn't to be a struggle. But that's a problem for tomorrow... massive well done to SK and everyone for a tremendous three months who h absolutely no one could have predicted.

I can't remember the details but I believe we negotiated a deal in lieu of compensation...I suspect Luton aren't the only ones opening champagne (well maybe fizzy wine) tonight. Between this and Alexander it's potentially a lucrative day for us!

That also cost him a complete set of scoring v all 11 SPFL opponents this season...which I can only assume is incredibly rare outwith the OF.

Ideally they agree and they sell him for a few million...

Aberdeen not beat Dunfermline back in the day?

Alternatively they've finished above us two out the last three...for all it matters.

As long as KVV gets both of our goals and St Johnstone don't lose to Livingston, I'm not entirely against this purely for the shits and giggles.

Might turn up to negotiate a hero's return to his local club.

I've nothing against their fans but had 2,500-3,000 of them been there with a great atmosphere for a do or die encounter, our side (players and fans) would no doubt have got into it. Maybe just me but I really can't imagine too much feeling being generated on or off the pitch when there's instead 250-300 United fans there to watch something which isn't miles off being a glorified friendly. United have ruined Sunday for everyone!

I was really looking forward to this one but fair to say United's incompetence has ruined it somewhat. Obviously curious whether KVV gets his 30 but I'm not that worked up about it. Ditto seventh or eighth despite the cash. Much more exciting will be gtf day and the first look at how SK is building for next season. A massive summer (it rarely isn't these days TBF) awaits.