A season that promised much for Dunfermline ended with a whimper. A single point was earned from their final eight games. In the pre-season cups Dunfermline impressed and the play-offs if not a title challenge seemed possible. However, consistency and expectations proved too much and Allan Johnston was sacked in January. Steve Crawford took control and despite a poor start he oversaw an upturn that produced five consecutive wins and rekindled their play-off hopes. Their form didn’t last and the Pars finished the season with seven defeats and a draw.
An opening day win at Dundee United and three goals suggested all was well at Dunfermline, but scoring became a major problem throughout the campaign. The Pars were often difficult to beat, but they simply didn’t score goals when they
were on top. Unsurprisingly they were the lowest scorers in the Championship. As they sat outside the play-off places in January, the board decided on a ‘new direction’ and Johnson was sacked. Relegation was suddenly as issue that Steve
Crawford had to deal with but he produced an upturn in February through March that produced five straight wins. However, just as form and fluency had been found, it was quickly lost again as the Pars finished in their worst form of the
season.
Dunfermline finished in 7th place and an overhaul is obviously required. Steve Crawford, former player and fans’ favourite, is still on probation regarding his suitability as the man to take them on a promotion challenge next season. Dunfermline need to acquire a reliable striker for Championship-level football at the very least.
