Pars buzzing as Rovers return

Andy Kirk is one of just three survivors at Dunfermline from that important Saturday in April 2011

Andy Kirk is one of just three survivors at Dunfermline from that important Saturday in April 2011 when two Martin Hardie goals earned the Pars a 2-1 win over Raith Rovers and virtually sealed promotion to the SPL. He revealed how the preparations had been going for the big Fife Derby:-

"The boys have been working hard in training, it is no different just because it is a derby game. It gives it an extra bit of spice but we are preparing like we do for every other game. We want to go out and get the win because we are the home side."

Last time 11052 fans crammed into East End Park and although that will not be recreated this time around, the rivalry will create a cauldron of local fervour. Andy continued:-

"The atmosphere is great for both sets of players. It might not be as big a crowd as the last time but it can be an exciting game."

Andy is sitting on a tally of 67 goals for the Pars but is conscious that he is yet to get off the mark this season:-

"It would be ideal but I will just need to wait and see what kind of team the Manager puts out. If I am involved, as I do every time that I go out and play, I try and get in the right areas and hopefully I will get a chance to score.

"We have a good young squad. The Manager has come out and said that the way the Club wants to go now is with younger players. It is good experience for a lot of the boys as well. There are a lot of good experienced players here mixing in through them so we have got a nice blend.

"Confidence is coming with players playing regularly. For some it is a step up the ladder for them, its a challenge, a new club and they are trying to impress the fans and the Manager. That's why there is a bit of a buzz about the place with a lot of players. Hopefully that can continue."

The 33 year old was the oldest player on the books until Craig Dargo arrived but he still feels as fit as he did as when he arrived in Fife four years ago and is optimistic for a successful season:-

"I love playing and keep myself in good shape and want to play as long as I can. I believe I still have a lot to offer. We have started off OK but we were disappointed that we lost to Partick Thistle at home. We played better in the second half and made a bit of a game of it, without creating an awful lot of chances. Partick are being touted as one of the favourites to go up. Based on that if we progress the way that we have been doing we have a helluva chance of being up there."