DAFC Recruitment Plan

Dunfermline FC Recruitment
Plan 2024/25
@spflanalysis

Contents
Introduction ………. Page 3
Squad Profile ………. Page 4
Squad Requirements ………. Page 7
Goalkeepers ………. Page 8
Right-backs ………. Page 12
Centre-backs ………. Page 16
Attacking Midfielders ………. Page 20
Left Wingers ………. Page 24
Strikers ………. Page 28
2024/25 Squad ………. Page 34
Conclusion ………. Page 35
2

Introduction
In this report I’ll look to plan out how Dunfermline may look to tackle the 2024/25 summer transfer window. I’ll
aim to analyse their current team, highlighting squad depth, age range and weak points where the club should
look to upgrade. I’ll utilise both data and video scouting to identify suitable additions to the squad.
It is worth noting that all players I put forward I deem realistic signings, however I have no access to any financial
or budgetary information from the club. Furthermore, at the time of writing, Dunfermline sit 6 points above the
relegation play-off and 4 points below a promotion play-off place, therefore could be playing in another league
next season. However, this report has been planned with the assumption that they will remain in the
Championship next season.
Due to the limited time constraints I have work with, I’ve had to start creating this piece in March (20/3/24) with
the intention of releasing it towards the end of the season. Therefore, all data and content is accurate as of
20/3/24 onwards. All data collected is from Wyscout and Transfermarkt.
Please feel free to share my work and follow my account @spflanalysis . Any feedback is also greatly
appreciated!
3
3

Squad Profile
Upon analysis of Pars’ age range, it can be concluded that the squad is in a healthy position. The Bulk of the squad is
made up of players in their peak years, or players approaching this stage within the next year. It also possesses a healthy
balance of experienced, senior pros and young players coming through the ranks.
They have had to rely heavily on loan players to bulk the squad up through a difficult injury crisis, with 7 playing over the
course of the season.
The scatterplot features
everyone to have featured
for Dunfermline so far this
season.
Red = Loan Player
4
4

Performance Grade
Squad Profile
Otoo
Richie-Hosler
Fagan-Walcott
Todd
Hamilton
Edwards
Breen
Kane
Benedictus
Looking subjectively at the performance of the
squad, it’s clear that there a number of young
players not ready to play at Championship level
quite yet and would benefit from a loan move
next season.
Summers
McCann
Fisher
Moffat
Sharp
Tod
Hoggan
Sutherland
Benjamin
Fenton
Holmes
Allan
Wighton
Comrie
Welch-Hayes
Jakubiak
Chalmers
Mehmet
O’Halloran
Further analysis of this graph shows that of the 9
players deemed to be of a high-performance
grade, only 3 are attackers. In addition to this
Todd, Richie-Hosler and Kane have only been
able to amount 17 starts between them in the
league, mainly due to injury. You can now see
why the Pars have struggled for goals this
season.
Age
5
5

Here we can see the squad
make up for next season with
my suggestions of who to
keep and let go.
Edwards has proven himself
to be a very good fullback at
Championship level while
Allan and McCann are
capable squad players.
Fenton and Little may be used
as reserve players/ squad
fillers.
Hoggan, Tod and Sutherland
would all benefit from loan
moves down the divisions to
guarantee gametime and
opportunities to develop
further.
Jakubiak has looked good in
brief spells but is far too
inconsistent and hasn’t
produced enough G/A for
someone who is likely a
relatively high earner at the
club.
LW
McCann
LB
Edwards
(Otoo)
Fenton
CM
Otoo
Chalmers
CB
Breen
ST
Wighton
CAM
Todd
GK
Mehmet
Little
CM
Hamilton
Allan
CB
Benedictus
Fisher
Richie-Hosler
O’Halloran
Comrie
Hoggan, Tod, Sutherland
Jakubiak
Renew Contract
McCann, Allan, Edwards, Fenton, Little
Loan Out
Release at End of Contract
With the squad already thin, it’s important to retain a strong core for next season, while also
strengthening and adding depth. Dunfermline will have aspirations of finishing in the promotion
play-off spots next year so additions must add quality to the squad and upgrade key areas for the
side.
Ideally, players should be signed on a permanent basis to avoid a huge turnover of loan signings
every season. Loans should still be used as a cost-effective method of bolstering the squad, but
only in moderation.
RW
RB
6
6

Requirements
Striker - Someone with a decent track record of scoring to be a starting ST.
Striker - An additional option for some depth, perhaps a younger player to play as a 2 nd /3 rd choice striker.
Left Winger – Need to find an upgrade on McCann, someone who can contribute goals is a bonus.
Attacking Midfielder – A deputy to Todd, should also be able to drop back one if needed.
Right Back – Someone who should be an upgrade at RB, would also take some pressure off Comrie given his injury
concerns.
Centre Back – Again, someone who can be relied upon as a first team quality CB given how long Breen and
Benedictus have spent injured this season. Ideally left footed. Gives the squad more wriggle room to move to a back
3 which McPake has used at times.
Goalkeeper – Mehmet is contracted until 2026 so is clearly someone the club wants to commit to however, I’m not
100% convinced. A 2 nd choice who could also push Mehmet and step in where required would be ideal.
7
7

Goalkeeper- Deniz Mehmet
Mehmet has been fine for Dunfermline this season which is
reflected pretty well in his stats. He has faced an xG of
30.46 conceding 30 goals which is exactly as you’d expect.
0.02 Prevented goals p90 is, again, very standard but sees
him feature in a high percentile in comparison with his
fellow Championship keepers. A save % of 64.71 also sees
him compare very average.
He does look to distribute over short/medium distances
often, with a good success rate to match. However, he is
much less effective playing longer balls.
Player Specification
Data vs Championship
GKs>500 minutes
- Must possess good shot stopping ability (Save rate%,
Prevented goals p90).
- Should be comfortable building out from the back.
- Good long distribution is a bonus.
- Ideally young, must accept game time may be limited for
periods.
8
8

Daniel Margush
Position - GK
Club - Western Sydney Wanderers
Nationality - Australian
Age - 26
Height – 6’2
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024
Data vs A League GKs> 500 mins
Positives
- Above average shot stopper
- Used to playing out from the
back and possesses good
accuracy in doing this.
- Quick off his line
- Good age for a GK
- Out of contract in the summer
Negatives
- Positional sense is poor
and needs developing
- Would probably only
move for guaranteed first
team football
Summary
Margush is currently second choice at WSW and has only
featured when the no1, Thomas, has been injured or on
international duty. However, he’s put up some decent
numbers in his limited minutes.
WSW play a very open and expansive game which has
forced him to develop his ability with his feet but has also
meant he’s had to face many 1v1 situations. (See the high
xG against p90 compared to shots p90)
Pars could offer him not only regular first team football, but
also a route into European leagues, which could make them
an attractive option for him.
9
9

Matyáš Vágner
Position – GK
Club – Vlasim (Loaned from Slavia
Prague)
Nationality – Czech
Age – 21
Height – 6’4
Contract Expires – 30/6/2025
Data vs FNL GKs> 500 mins
Positives
- Has some exceptional shot
stopping numbers, some of the
best in his league.
- Has faced a lot of shots but
maintained a good save %
- Very good ability to play out
with his feet.
- Czech U21 international.
Negatives
- Poor command of his
area, particularly
apparent from crossed
balls
- Parent club might
demand a high wage %
- Perhaps a more
unrealistic option
Summary
Vagner is a Czech youth international on loan at second tier
club Vlasim from Slavia Prague. He has enjoyed a
successful season there so far putting up some of the best
underlying numbers in the division at the slender age of 21.
Vagner is on the verge of completing his third season spent
on loan at the club and may be looking to gain experience
elsewhere next season.
It’s unlikely Slavia Prague would want to sell, nor would
Dunfermline have the budget anyway, but Vagner could
provide a potential loan option for the Pars next season.
10
10

Ovie Ejeheri
Position – GK
Club – Arsenal U21
Nationality – England/Nigeria
Age – 20
Height – 6’5
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024 (+1)
Data vs Premier League 2 GKs> 700 mins.
Positives
- Doesn’t face a lot of shots but
maintains a high save %
- Comfortable leaving his line to
sweep up.
- Reliable passing ability over a
range of distances.
- Great physical traits.
- Experience in senior football
from loan in Finland.
Negatives
- Parent club would likely
want a guarantee of
playing time.
Summary
Ojeheri is an Arsenal U21 keeper currently performing well in
the Premier League 2 this season. His side’s style of play
requires him to be very strong with the ball at his feet as he
is given a lot of responsibility to initiate Arsenal’s build up
from deep.
Despite his young age, he’s already gained some significant
senior minutes on loan at Chelmsford in the National
League South and SJK Seinäjoki in the Finish 1 st tier. At 20
he’s very unlikely to feature for Arsenal’s first team next
season and will likely be looking to go out on loan again to
add experience.
11
11

Right Back – Aaron Comrie
Having played RWB, RB and CB Comrie has been a useful
player for the Pars this season, however he has struggled with
injuries since January.
His numbers should be taken with a pinch of salt given his
time spent filling in as a CB, however, his offensive output has
still been very poor. He isn’t adept in creating chances for
teammates nor is he a great at progressing the ball forward
himself.
He is fairly solid defensively, possessing a high percentile rank
in winning defensive duels and blocking shots. Additionally,
his aerial duel success is very impressive.
Player Specification
Data vs Championship
RBs>700 minutes
- Replacement must be of first team quality.
- Must possess better attacking threat. More creative and
adept at driving the ball forward.
- Should ideally be of a similar defensive ability to Comrie
with a solid duel success rate.
12
12

Marcel Oakley
Position – RB
Club – Birmingham
Nationality – England
Age – 21
Height – 5’11
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024
Data vs 2022/23 Scottish Championship RBs> 700 mins.
Positives
- Excellent attacking threat,
brings a lot of creativity going
forward.
- Very talented ball progressor.
- Previous experience playing at
a good standard in the league.
- Contract expiring and unlikely
to be renewed.
Negatives
- Mixed defensive numbers,
particularly poor aerially.
- Likely to be some
competition for his
signature.
- Would likely require a
significant development
fee to sign on a pre
contract.
Summary
Oakley is a player who has previously featured on loan for
both Arbroath and Queen’s Park in the Championship,
enjoying a very solid season between the 2 clubs. Upon
returning to Birmingham, he’s only featured in 27 minutes of
league football.
Turning 22 this year and with his contract up in the summer,
it’s unlikely Birmingham will look to renew, therefore could
be a free agent soon. There could, however, be significant
competition for the Englishman’s signature.
13
13

Reagan Ogle
Position – RB
Club – Scunthorpe United
Nationality – Australia
Age – 25
Height – 5’8
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024
Data vs National League North RBs> 700 mins.
Positives
Negatives
- Very talented going forward
with excellent wide deliveries.
- Difficult to gauge
defensive number given
- Strong ball progressor.
how dominant his team
- Coming off the back of a very have been.
good season.
- Would need to adapt to
- Good time to purchase with
him approaching his peak
years.
the step up in league
quality.
- Available to get on a precontract.
Summary
Ogle is coming off the back of a strong season for
Scunthorpe where he has played a pivotal part in their push
for promotion. The popular fullback likes to get forward on
the overlap and could offer Dunfermline significant
attacking threat down the right side.
The Pars could secure his services on a pre-contract
however, with his team still in a promotion race he may bide
his time to see what division they’re playing in before
making a decision.
14
14

Josh Hare
Position – RB
Club – Dagenham and Redbridge
Nationality – England
Age – 29
Height – 6’0
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024
Data vs National League RBs> 700 mins.
Positives
- Excellent at creating chances
for teammates with very good
xA p90 and shot assist p90
numbers.
- Performs lots of crosses with
very good accuracy.
- Solid aerial ability.
- Available on a pre-contract.
Negatives
- Poor defensive duel
success rate.
- Not a big ball carrier,
prefers to receive in
advanced areas than
dribble.
- Likely only got another
year or 2 at his peak.
- Patchy injury history.
Summary
Hare is a player who has always been well regarded at
National League level in England but has never quite kicked
on to reach his full potential. The ex Bristol Rovers fullback
has played as high as League One level, but injuries have
stopped him from securing a regular place at this level.
Hare could be an attractive option for the Pars to explore as
a low-cost attacking fullback with a point to prove.
15
15

Centre Back– Kyle Benedictus
Centre half has been one of the hardest hit positions by injury for the
Pars this season, with Benedictus, Breen and Fisher all spending
significant periods on the sidelines.
As club captain, Benedictus is likely to play when fit therefore
recruitment should be focused around finding him a suitable CB
partner while also adding depth to the position.
Benedictus’ strengths lie in the defensive side of the game, with good
aerial ability and a high defensive duel success rate. He reads the game
well, completing a high number of interceptions and is disciplined
enough to not give away many fouls. His limitations are when in
possession and could be complimented by playing alongside a more
ball playing defender.
Data vs Championship
CBs>700 minutes
Player Specification
- Replacement must be of first team quality.
- Ideally left footed or at least comfortable playing on that
side.
- Must be comfortable on the ball and able to play through
the lines.
- Should still offer good defensive ability.
- Bonus if they’re able to step forward with the ball.
16
16

Benjamin Wallquist
Position – CB
Club –Floridsdorfer AC
Nationality – Austria
Age – 24
Height – 6’3
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024
Data vs 2.Liga CBs> 700 mins.
Positives
- Very talented ball playing
defender.
- Likes to be involved in the
build-up and capable of
playing through the lines.
- Comfortable carrying the ball
forward himself.
- Great age profile and left
footed.
Negatives
- Can be quite rash with his
defending, likes to get tight
to the opponent very
quickly.
- Would probably require a
significant wage to tempt
him to move over.
Summary
After periods of playing in Germany and Austria, most
notably playing within RB Saltzburg and Hoffenheim’s
academies, Wallquist is currently applying his trade in the
2 nd tier of Austrian football.
The ball playing, left footed centre half has played every
minute in the league this season for FAC who currently sit
4 th .
Dunfermline could look to pick the big Austrian up on a free
with his contract expiring in the summer.
17
17

Kenton Richardson
Position – CB
Club –Gateshead
Nationality – England
Age – 24
Height – 6’1
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024
Data vs National League CBs> 700 mins.
Positives
- Very talented ball playing
defender, comfortable building
up play from deep.
- Likes to step in and progress
the ball forward.
- Coming off the back of a very
good season.
- Contract expiring in summer.
Negatives
- Right footed, however, has
experience playing LCB this
season.
- Poor defensive and aerial
duel success rate.
- Likely to be a lot of
competition for his
signature from English L2
Summary
Richardson has been a standout performer for Gateshead
in the national league this season. The centre backs ball
playing ability has been pivotal to Gateshead being able
to play their expansive style which has seen them finish in
the National League play offs.
However, with his side's stadium unable to comply with
regulations set in the football league, Gateshead have
been denied an opportunity for promotion.
This news could mean players like Richardson may be
looking for a move over the summer, however, the Pars
may have to compete with several other clubs in L2 for his
18
signature given his successful season.
18

Morgan Boyes
Position – CB
Club –Inverness CT (Loaned from
Livingston)
Nationality – Wales
Age – 23
Height – 6’2
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024
Data vs Championship CBs> 700 mins.
Positives
- Decent on the ball and capable
of stepping forward to break
lines.
- Experience playing in the
league already.
- Stylistically looks a good fit to
play alongside Benedictus.
- Contract expiring in summer.
- Relatively cheap and low risk.
Negatives
- Defensive numbers don’t
stand out but could be due
to playing in such a poor
team.
- Can get wound up by
opponents too easily at
times.
Summary
Morgan Boyes is a player who might not stand out as a
particularly exciting addition but is someone who could
be a very smart addition to the Pars defence.
The ex-Liverpool defender has quietly gone about having a
decent season with Inverness despite them hovering near
the foot of the table. With Livingston’s financial troubles
paired with relegation, they may be looking to offload
bodies in the summer and with Boyes contract up,
Dunfermline could offer an attractive and realistic
alternative side for Boyes.
19
19

Attacking Midfield – Matty Todd
A product of the clubs youth academy, Todd has played an important
role for Dunfermline over the last few seasons despite still only being
22. The talented midfielder is clearly someone the club has a lot of
belief in and have him tied down until the summer of 2026.
He possesses some creativity and a good eye for a pass but his main
asset is the goals he brings from midfield. He’s averaged 1.98 shots p90
this season and an xG of 0.17 p90.
Todd is one of the many Pars players who’ve spent significant time on
the treatment table this season and Dunfermline may need to look at
players who can step in to cover him if injuries persist further.
Data vs Championship
AMs >700 minutes
Player Specification
- Replacement must be someone comfortable not being
first choice.
- Must be able to get shots off from midfield with a decent
xG to match.
- Ideally versatile enough to play CM if needed.
20
20

Lee Connelly
Position – CAM, LW, ST
Club –Queen of the South
Nationality – Scotland
Age – 24
Height – 5’7
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024
Data vs League 1 CAMs> 700 mins.
Positives
- High volume shooter with
decent xG.
- Good dribbler, capable of
progressing the ball up the
pitch.
- Experience at Championship
level.
- Versatile, can fill in several
positions.
Negatives
- More natural playing on the
wing than in the centre.
- Poor defensive numbers.
Summary
Another name who might not stand out but could be a
smart pick up is Lee Connelly. While playing for a very
poor Queen of the South side struggling near the bottom
of League 1, Connelly has put up some decent numbers
this season. The versatile forward also has a solid G/A
record in the 2 nd and 3 rd tiers over the last few years.
Out of contract in the summer, Connelly wouldn’t cost
anything, nor would he require a big wage. Stylistically, he
looks a decent fit, and can also play in several positions if
required. While he might not be the most exciting signing,
Connelly could be a very useful, low risk signing for the
Pars. 21
21

Josh Williams
Position – CM, CAM
Club – Connah’s Quay Nomads
Nationality – Wales
Age – 19
Height –
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024
Data vs Welsh Premier League CAMs> 700 mins.
Positives
- Brings goals from midfield and
can also create for others.
- Very impressive profile
considering his age.
- Can play either CAM or CM.
- Very good set piece delivery.
Negatives
- Not a great ball carrier.
- Out of contract in summer
but may require
compensation payment.
- Big step up in quality of
opposition.
Summary
Williams is a young midfielder playing in the Welsh
Premiership whose profile stuck out as being particularly
strong . It should be noted that his team are relatively
dominant in the division which should be considered
when analysing his stats, but his profile is still very
impressive. He has even featured for the Welsh C side for
the last 2 years.
Williams could be another low-risk investment from
Dunfermline with potential for a high return should he be
able to continue his development in Scotland.
22
22

(No Data Available)
Callum Sandilands
Position – CAM, CF
Club – Hearts B
Nationality – Scotland
Age – 18
Height –
Contract Expires – 31/5/2025
Positives
- Excellent attacking output this
season. Likes to get shots off
- Very clever with the runs he
makes, excellent timing.
- Needs a new challenge at a
higher level and will be looking
for a loan move.
Negatives
- Big jump in quality from
Lowland League to
Championship.
- Hearts may want to find
him a move where he
can be guaranteed first
team minutes.
Summary
Hearts B have enjoyed a very successful season playing in
the Lowland league this season, finishing in 2 nd place. 18-
year-old Sandilands played a big part in this success scoring
16 and assisting 8 in 34 league games and is someone the
club rate very highly.
Sandilands is at his most dangerous when playing just off the
striker with the youngster making late runs to get on the end
of balls inside the box.
Clearly thriving in the Lowland League, Hearts will likely look
to find him a loan further up the food chain for next season to
push him on and further his development.
23
23

Left Wing – Lewis McCann
Another player who has been at the club since young, McCann has
always been highly rated and tipped to go on and have a good career.
However, while showing flashes of his undoubted talent, the Northern
Ireland youth international has struggled to do it consistently enough to
hold down a regular place and position in the Pars team.
He has featured at ST, LW and playing just off the striker at LF this
season. The 22-year-old gets into good positions to get shots away,
often coming inside onto his stronger right foot, while also opening up
space for Edwards to attack from LWB. At 6’2 he is also useful in the
air, winning 52.2% of his aerial duels this season.
Player Specification
Data vs Championship
Wingers + AMs>700
minutes
- Player should be of first team quality.
- Ideally someone who can cut in off the left and create
space to get the best out of Edwards offensively.
- Should be someone who can chip in with goals, create a
good number of shots for themselves and get touches
inside the box.
- Someone with a similar aerial ability is a bonus.
24
24

Alfie Bavidge
Position – ST, LW, RW
Club – Kelty Hearts (Loaned from
Aberdeen)
Nationality – Scotland
Age – 18
Height –
Contract Expires – 31/5/2026
Data vs League 1 Wingers > 700 mins.
Positives
- Offers a significant attacking
threat coming off the wing and
getting into the box.
- Competent enough in the air.
- Coming off the back of a
successful loan in League 1
and will likely be looking for
another loan at a higher level.
Negatives
- Still very young and may
take time to adapt to the
step up in quality.
- Probably more of a
natural ST than winger
but has performed well
in this role.
- Likely to be a decent
amount of competition
for his signature.
Summary
Bavidge has enjoyed a successful first season in senior
football with Kelty Hearts, finishing in a respectful 6 th place,
scoring 9 and assisting 2.
Despite his age, he’s already physically very well suited to
men’s football with his short yet stocky build. He also
possesses plenty of pace and a confidence to get the ball
down and drive at players.
Aberdeen will undoubtably be looking to find Bavidge
another loan at a higher-level next season and if
Dunfermline can act quickly, he could be a very good
addition to the team.
25
25

Charlie Reilly
Position – LW
Club – Arbroath (Loaned from Dundee)
Nationality – Scotland
Age – 22
Height – 5’11
Contract Expires – 31/5/2025
Data vs Championship Wingers > 300 mins.
Positives
- Able to create chances for
others, gets the ball into good
areas for teammates.
- Combative and willing to
engage in duels.
- A loan move looks likely for
next season.
Negatives
- Has struggled with injury
issues this season.
- Relatively untested at
this level.
Summary
Following on from winning player of the season in League 2,
Reilly has struggled to get a consistent run of games with
Dundee and Arbroath due to injuries this campaign. Only
able to amount 315 minutes for a struggling Arbroath side,
this should be considered when analysing his statistical
profile.
However, the winger has shown glimpses of his ability in
limited minutes this season. Dundee will likely want to loan
out Reilly again to get some more consistent game time to
ready himself for Premiership football. A loan move to
Dunfermline could be a deal which suits both parties well.
26
26

Mart Remans
Position – LW, RW
Club – MVV Maastricht
Nationality – Netherlands
Age – 25
Height – 5’9
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024
Data vs Keuken Kampioen Divisie Wingers > 700 mins.
Positives
- Has consistently scored goals
from wide his whole career.
- Combative and performs well
in aerial duels.
- Good delivery from wide areas.
- Contract expiring in summer.
Negatives
- May need time to adapt
to a different league.
- Would probably be one
of the squad's higher
earners.
- Not a particularly great
dribbler.
Summary
Remans is a Dutch winger who has consistently contributed
goals and assists to his side in the Dutch second tier for the
last few seasons. Remans has come in and out of the team
this season, sometimes having to make his impact off the
bench.
Coming into his prime years, and never having played
topflight football, there's a chance Dunfermline could
appeal to him as they make a push for promotion. With his
contract expiring in summer, Remans could be an option
with real quality that the Pars could look to signing on a free.
27
27

Striker – Kane and Wighton
Data vs Championship
STs>700 minutes
Kane
Starting the season as the Pars first choice striker, Wighton has
struggled with injuries this season spending significant time out of the
squad. When he has played, his impact has been ok, scoring 0,37 np
Goals p90 from 0.41 xG p90.
Kane was brought in on loan as an emergency replacement for Wighton
and has looked decent in his limited gametime. He has produced 5
goals in 10 with some very respectable xG numbers to match. He
manages to get plenty of touches inside the box and possesses a good
goal conversion %.
Both strikers offer a lot of hard work and running for the team and some
degree of physicality to hold the ball up and allow the team to get
forward.
Wighton
While both players have a somewhat similar style, Kane looks to have a
bit more about him. However, Wighton has another year on his contract
and Kane is only on loan. While Kane’s contract is up with St Johnstone
in summer, there’s always the possibility that It may be renewed should
they be relegated this season. Equally, he’d most likely have to reduce
his wages if signing on with Dunfermline next season.
Keeping 2 STs in the squad on significant wages with largely similar
skillsets isn’t an effective use of finances for a club like Dunfermline.
With Wighton under contract for next season, recruitment should focus
on finding a starting ST able to offer more of a goal threat. In addition,
another ST to play 2 nd /3 rd choice could be useful to add depth in case
of further injuries. 28
28

Player Specification
- Player must be a starting quality striker.
- Player must offer a better goal threat than Wighton. Decent xG p90 and goal conversion % is important.
- Should be competent enough in the air and capable of holding up the ball when required.
- Additional striker to play back up/ 3 rd choice
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Bobby Wales
Position – ST, LW
Club –Alloa (Loaned from Kilmarnock)
Nationality – Scotland
Age – 18
Height –
Contract Expires – 31/5/2025
Positives
- Coming off the back of a very
strong season in League 1.
- Very good finishing numbers,
especially impressive given he
hasn’t always played as an out
and out ST.
- Will likely be looking for
another loan at a higher level
next season.
Data vs League 1 STs> 700 mins.
Negatives
- May need time to adapt to
the step up in quality.
- Would be a lot of
responsibility for someone
so young.
Summary
The on loan Kilmarnock player has had an excellent first
season in senior football, scoring 12 and assisting 4 in the
league this season. His performances have even seen him
being linked with a move to several English Premier League
academies.
Wales probably needs 1 more loan move before being ready
to feature for Kilmarnock at Premiership level and the
Championship seems the logical next step for him. He has
all the potential to do very well at this level and Dunfermline
could hand him the opportunity to thrive.
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George Oakley
Position – ST
Club – Morton
Nationality – England
Age – 28
Height – 6’2
Contract Expires – 10/6/2024
Data vs Championship STs> 700 mins.
Positives
- Has shown he can score goals
consistently in the division,
could hopefully hit ground
running.
- Very strong in the air and holds
the ball up well.
- Out of contract in the summer.
Negatives
- Already competition from
Ayr and Partick Thistle so
would require a significant
wage.
- Not overly prolific, 9
league goals is the most
he’s scored in a season.
Summary
Oakley has enjoyed a very solid season with Morton,
scoring 9 goals and narrowly finishing outside the
Championship promotion play offs.
With his contract expiring in summer, there has already
been considerable interest in his signature from several
clubs in the division, who have reportedly offered him
substantial contracts.
Oakley has scored goals regularly in the division, and
playing in a more attack minded side, has the potential to
be a very potent striker, should the Pars match his financial
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demands.
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Kabongo Tshimanga
Position – ST
Club – Boreham Wood (Loaned from
Peterborough)
Nationality – England
Age – 26
Height – 5’11
Contract Expires –
Data vs National League STs> 700 mins.
Positives
- Has an exceptional goal record
across his career.
- Clinical finisher.
- Turns players extremely well
with back to goal and
possesses a great burst of
pace.
- Not wanted by his parent club.
Negatives
- Would require a transfer
fee and high wages, would
need to break the bank for
his signature.
- Bound to have a lot of
competition from National
League and League 2
clubs.
- Not the type to hold up
play and win headers,
prefers to run in behind.
Summary
Throughout his career, Tshimanga has regularly scored
goals in the National league, totaling 74 goals in 141
appearances. His incredible record at this level eventually
led him to making a £300k transfer to League 1
Peterborough. Here, however, he struggled and after a failed
loan move to Fleetwood Town, he has spent the remainder
of the season on loan at Boreham Wood in the National
League. Still under Contract at Peterborough, they recently
announced that he was listed for transfer.
While it may be a more unrealistic option for the Pars,
Tshimanga would be an exceptional talent to add to the
team.
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Oliver Sanderson
Position – ST
Club – Sutton Utd (Loaned from Fulham)
Nationality – England
Age – 20
Height – 6’0
Contract Expires – 30/6/2024
Data vs English League 2 STs> 700 mins.
Positives
- Has managed to score goals in
some very poor teams.
- Accurate shooter with a
reasonable goal conversion %
- Good physical traits. Capable
of holding up play while also
having decent pace to get in
behind.
- Out of contract in summer.
Good chance of a further loan
move if renewed.
Negatives
- Poor in possession, not an
accurate passer and
hasn’t been able to create
much for others.
- Poor aerially.
- Probably going to have
competition from EFL
clubs.
Summary
On first glance, Sanderson’s statistical profile doesn’t stand
out much but when you look deeper, he appears an
intriguing option.
Starting the season playing on loan at a very poor Oxford
City side, he scored 9 in 23 before leaving in January to be
loaned out to League 2 side Sutton United. Playing for
Sutton, who themselves were struggling in League 2, he
managed to score 4 and assist 1 in 20. He eventually
finished the season scoring a respectable 0.39 np goals p90
across the 2 divisions.
Sanderson’s contract is up in the summer but even if
renewed by Fulham, a loan move is likely for him next
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season.
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2024/25 Squad
33 Slides later, here is the hypothetical side I’d look to put together for next season. I believe it adds greater quality to certain areas of the
pitch while also adding further depth to the squad and remains financially feasible and realistic. This squad should be capable of pushing
for a promotion play-off spot which will be Dunfermline’s target next season.
ST
LW
Bavidge
McCann
CM
Wales
Wighton
Sanderson
CAM
Todd
Connelly
CM
Otoo
Hamilton
Chalmers
Allan
RW
Richie-Hosler
O’Halloran
LB
Edwards
(Otoo)
Fenton
CB
Wallquist
Breen
GK
CB
Benedictus
Fisher
RB
M. Oakley
Comrie
Margush
Mehmet
Little
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Conclusion
Firstly, I’d like to say a huge thanks for taking the time to read this document!
All data used was up to date and relevant at the time of writing. Unfortunately, the landscape of the Dunfermline squad has
changed since this Recruitment Plan was started in March and events like Chris Kane signing permanently (the day before I
finished this), Josh Edwards looking certain to move down south and the Pars posting their official retained and released list
haven’t been accounted for.
If you have enjoyed, please feel free to share and/or leave any feedback and if you don’t already, drop me a follow
@spflanalysis on Twitter! I’ll be positing more recruitment work and player profiles on there over summer.
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