ATHLETIC supporters turned out in force for their return to the Championship with their biggest numbers in almost two decades.

The club have revealed that the amount of home fans cheering them on from the stands at KDM Group East End Park during the season was their highest average since 2005.

During the campaign, a total of 97,993 spectators attended Dunfermline's 18 home league matches, giving them an average of 5,444, with only champions Dundee United attracting more fans to their games.

The Pars said that it has been 21 years since they have had as many fans taking their seats in the home sections of East End over the course of a campaign, when they averaged 6,193 across 19 matches in the top flight.

Dunfermline Press:

The backing from the stands has been described as "fantastic" in helping James McPake's team consolidate their Championship status following last year's League One title success as the club launched their season ticket campaign for next term.

In thanking their faithful followers for their backing, the club said: "Season 2023/2024 again proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions and full of challenges, but the spirit shown on the pitch and in the stands helped secure our place in the Championship.

"Your support is never taken for granted. The numbers that continue to back us at home and on our travels is fantastic. So much so that last year saw our largest average home attendance since 2005.

"On the pitch, the much discussed injuries situation disrupted large parts of the season, but when at our best we saw we could match anyone in the division.

"Our message, ‘It’s You‘, puts our outstanding supporters at the front of what’s ahead. With your backing we hope to continue that forward push and help turn KDM Group East End Park into a fortress of colour and noise for season 2024/2025.

"Whether it’s the Main, Norrie or North West. Whether it’s Sammy the Tammy, Jim Leishman, Legends for a pint or family. Whether it’s the highs and lows, community, history or playing for badge, it’s nothing without you!"

Dunfermline have announced that season cards for adults, senior citizens, diasbled, over-65s and over-75s will increase by £18 - £1 per match - whilst the young adult and student categories "have also seen some small increases but remain hugely competitive for youth season cards".

Prices for seats in the Norrie McCathie and North West stands, and the west wing of the Main Stand, have been set at £333 for adults, £233 for disabled fans, senior citizens and over-65s, £183 for over-75s, £109 for young adults (18-21) and students, £55 for under-18s, and £20 for under-12s.

Prices for the Main Stand remain the same for young adults, students, under-18s and under-12s, with adult prices set at £363, and at £263 for disabled fans, senior citizens and over-65s, and £213 for over-75s.

An additional 100 seats have been made available for the North West Stand, whilst supporters wishing to keep their existing seat have until Monday July 1 to do so before they are released on general sale.

Walk up prices for those wishing to pay on a match by match basis have increased by £1 for adults, to £22 (£24 for the Main Stand), and for disabled, senior citizens, over-65s and over-75s to £16 (£18 for the Main Stand).

For further details, visit the club's website, email shop@dafc.co.uk, call 01383 745909, or visit the club shop at East End, which is open from 10am-4pm, Wednesday to Friday, and 10am-12pm on Saturday.