Dunfermline Athletic return to Somerset Park on Friday night for match against Ayr United, a venue that holds particular significance for Assistant Manager Iain Brunskill.
It was at Ayr on 23rd March that Iain Brunskill and Manager Neil Lennon began their Dunfermline journey with a challenging 3-0 defeat – a match memorable for the “Wanyama affair” that has since become part of club folklore.
“It seems like five years ago, unbelievable really how things turn around,” Iain reflected. “From our point of view, myself and the manager, it was a bit of a right, okay, we know what we’re in for now. We put that one to bed quickly and came here on the Tuesday night and had a brilliant result against Livi. That sort of set us on the road.”
Iain has fond memories of Victor Wanyama’s time at the club, particularly the veteran midfielder’s character off the pitch. “He apologised to the guys for what went on and all that, it was brilliant, sort of set a real tone within the group,” he said. “He was really good with the young players, a really outstanding professional. That humbleness about him, hard working, wanting to help – that’s probably why he’s done what he’s done in the game.”
Scouting the opposition
The Pars faced Scott Brown’s side at KDM Group East End Park in September, losing 1-0 after Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen’s early second-half dismissal. Despite the defeat, the assistant manager felt his side showed character with ten men:-
“Speaking to Scott Brown after the game, he was saying, even with 10 men, you were a real threat. We were a little bit flat in that game in the first half, then obviously the circumstances of the second half maybe kicked the lads into action.”
Brunskill and Lennon attended Ayr’s recent victory at Raith Rovers as part of their preparation. “They got a win at Raith and they played well,” Iain said. “But we think if we can do the things that we do well, we can go up against anyone. We’ve been toe-to-toe in all the games that we’ve played.”
Bouncing Back
Friday’s match comes after a disappointing 3-2 defeat at Ross County last Saturday, though Iain believes his side could have earned a point:-
“On another day we probably could have got a point, which I think we deserved. That’s a tough place to go to, especially with the experience that they have in their team. We showed good character to come back. Unfortunately, we lost the other goal. There’s always lessons for us and we can do things better.”
The squad has responded positively in training this week. “The only way that you can put it better after a result that didn’t go your way is that you have a good training session,” Iain explained. “They do that every day, so we can’t really ask any more of them. They’re focused, they want to get better.”
Regarding Manager Neil Lennon’s post-match comments about officiating, Iain confirmed: “We have had the feedback and we’re obviously satisfied with what’s come back from them. We’ve had the communication back and we’re happy with that and happy to move on.”
Squad News
Kyle Benedictus, Zak Rudden and Josh Cooper remain long-term absentees, though all are progressing well. Josh Cooper was been jogging on the pitch this week, while Kyle Benedictus even refereed a training match to stay involved – an experience he won’t be repeating. “He had a piddly blow on his whistle to start. The manager said, come on, that’s not very authoritative.He got a lot of abuse, mostly off his mates. He said it’s not easy, is it? I said, no.”
Shea Kearney is a doubt after picking up a knock at Ross County, with his fitness being monitored closely ahead of the Friday night fixture. Iain had praise for loan signing Barney Stewart, who has impressed since arriving from Falkirk. “He started great in his first game. He’s a threat, he’s physical, really willing to learn, great kid, great attitude. There’s more development to come, but that’s part of the reason that he’s here.”
With the compressed schedule offering one less day to prepare, Iain Brunskill expects another tough encounter at Somerset Park. “It’s always going to be a tough place. The away games are difficult. Especially in the evening, it’s a different type of atmosphere. I’m sure they’ll be up and at us and ready to go.”
