ATHLETIC are determined to build a “young, hungry and determined” team to entertain their supporters as they prepare for League One.

But chairman and CEO David Cook admits that the club will also face challenges as they seek to “balance the short-term issues with the need to protect the long-term health of the club”.

Last week, the Pars released details of its season ticket offering for their first season back in the third tier since 2016, which aims to encourage more younger fans to attend with greater regularity in what they say is a decision to “dramatically” reduce prices for under-18s, young adults and students.

There has, however, been only a “modest” decrease for those in the adult and senior citizen brackets, although a finance option is available to help supporters spread the cost.

Walk-up prices will be frozen, which Dunfermline say means that there will be “further value in purchasing seasonally than in previous years”, with Cook noting that they have been “able to be more creative on pricing” in some categories, and that they “need to invest in to help the medium- to long-term outlook for the club”.

He explained: “Despite sharing the disappointment and frustration at how the previous season ended, we must now turn our attentions to our SPFL League One campaign under the new leadership of James McPake.

“The rebuild of the squad has begun and we are committed to trying to build a team that is young, hungry and determined to improve our fortunes. We want to give you a team that entertain, and one that you are proud of.

“As we unveil our season card pricing for the forthcoming season, I want to reiterate the importance of season ticket-holders to the club. As well as this being the largest revenue stream for the club, your strong vocal backing ensures we are one of the biggest clubs outside the Scottish Premiership. This support does not go unnoticed and is never taken for granted.

“This season, we are all facing challenging circumstances with rising costs across many areas of life. As a club, we also face these problems.

“Rising energy costs and stadium upkeep at East End Park, wage inflation, plus increasing supplier costs, make it a real challenge for us short-term. In addition, we are trying to plan for the long-term with the investment into our own academy and facilities at Rosyth.

“Our aim is to try to balance the short-term issues with the need to protect the long-term health of the club.”

Adult season tickets in the Norrie McCathie, North West and South West wing stands are £299, with disabled and senior citizens (65-74) priced at £199, with over-75s costing £149. For the South Stand, those prices are £329, £219 and £169 respectively, while young adults (18-21) and students, across all stands, can buy a season ticket for £99, with under-18s priced at £50, and under-12s £18.

Season ticket-holders can benefit for reduced pricing for cup matches, where the opposition agrees; priority access to cup, play-off and away games where applicable; discount events in the club shop; half-price room hire for functions with more than 75 people at East End; competitions to win hospitality upgrades and merchandise; promotional offers from club partners and suppliers; and an invitation to attend a first-team training session.

For more details, visit the club’s website at www.dafc.co.uk.