ALONG with Scott Chipperfield, Dunfermline Athletic captain Scott Wilson is seen as NQ Fury’s prime transfer target.
This week I searched my way through Athletic's official site and supporters' forum to find out a little more about the Scottish First Division side and their captain.
Profile-
Name: Dunfermline Athletic FC
Supporter's Group: The Pars
Founded: 2nd of June 1885
Ground: East End Park
Capacity: 11,998
Manager: Jim McIntyre
League: Scottish First Division
Dunfermline Athletic FC currently lie fourth out of ten in the second tier of Scottish football and are managed by Jim McIntyre who took over in January of last year. Don't let that fool you though; they have two games in hand over second place and one over both first and third. A win in their next game would take them to second on goal difference, meaning only five points separating them from first-placed St Johnstone.
The club are currently in their second season of Scottish First Division football after being relegated in the season of 06/07. Fans are optimistic they can take out the title and get promoted back the SPL, though supporters are growing frustrated at Jim McIntyre's boring tactics. Many fans hope to see McIntyre fired at the end of the current campaign. Some past results include a 3-2 win over Patrick Thistle (formerly managed by Terry Butcher [and current home of Aussie defender Simon Storey - KA]), a 2-1 win over Airdrie United [home of ex-Feyenoord's Aussie(ish) midfielder Michael Brown - KA] and most recently a 1-0 loss to sixth placed [Aussie-free! - KA] Ross County.
Of the short time spent browsing over the supporter's forum what I've gathered from the fans is that Dunfermline, like many other First Division sides are desperate to get back in to the SPL and relive the glory days they experienced throughout the 60's and early 70's.
All the best for the remainder of season...
Profile-
Name: Scott Wilson
Nationality: Scottish
Date of Birth: 19/03/77
Height: 188cm
Weight: 79.9kg
Clubs: Rangers, Portsmouth and Dunfermline
Scott Wilson signed for Dunfermline Athletic in 2002 after an unsuccessful loan spell at Portsmouth, making his debut just two weeks later in a 6-0 loss to former club Rangers. Described as a tough and composed central defender Wilson has, according to Wikipedia made 189 appearances scoring six goals. When Athletic were relegated to the Scottish First Division a number of first-team players exited the club but Wilson pledged his support to the club turning down offers from SPL and EPL sides.
Dunfermline's supporter's group see the 31-year-old's possible departure as a good move for him and his family but a big loss for the club. Should Wilson accept former teammate Ian Ferguson's offer, he would not leave the club until the end of the season with the defender committed to getting Dunfermline back to the SPL.
"I'm giving the offer serious thought," Wilson said. "No matter what happens I will not be leaving before the end of the season because we're trying to get back into the SPL and still have a chance of Scottish Cup success."
A large majority of Athletic fans gave their club captain rave reviews with many hoping he either stays or the club gets a transfer fee for him (though he's out of contract at the end of the season). Here's a few of the comments I came across in the forum.
Pars1885 said:
"Wilson's been head and shoulders over everyone else this season so it would naturally be a huge loss. A move to Australia would be a great move for him though, certainly wouldn't be hanging around here for long if that was offered to me."
Jeffery said:
"Would be really bad news for us. We're a way better side with him in it. He's been our best (and most consistent) defender for years now."
KozmaBoz said: "Slap a huge price on his head. Promotion is worth millions and if he leaves it will be over for us.
Why should we just let players leave for peanuts? Knowing the board though they would just be happy with saving his wages every week."
GJS93 said:
"If he moves now then the season is over for us that's how important he is IMO. 20 games was the figure someone said on here for the 3rd year clause to kick in but doesn't sound as if the club will use the option or are offering him a deal either."
Although I will reserve my judgement on Wilson until I see him in action, all the signs so far are good... let's hope he turns out to be the player he's been made out to be.
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Through the week it was announced over 1000 locals have bought memberships much to the delight of all involved at NQ Fury FC.
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The controversial signing of Daniel McBreen from York City resulted in the club issuing an apology to City, with coach Martin Foyle saying the move had "totally come out of the blue." Lack of experience or one in a million mistake...?
