THE city of Dunfermline have been urged to offer their support to a "fantastic, honest group of players" representing women's football.

Dunfermline Athletic Ladies FC's head coach, Charles Dignan, said he hopes to have the foundations in place to achieve "something special" after they rounded off their season on a high note.

Vice captain Alex Davie's goal was enough to give them a Fife derby win over McDermid Ladies in their final SWFL (Scottish Women's Football League) East match of the campaign, which saw them finish in fifth place.

In December Dignan, alongside assistant manager, Gregg McSwiggan, and goalkeeping coach, Inness Pirrie, arrived at the club from Alloa Athletic, and opened their tenure with seven successive wins - six in competitive fixtures.

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They also reached the quarter-finals of the SWFL Plate competition, where they were unfortunate to be knocked out in extra time by eventual winners Linlithgow Rose, and Dignan is optimistic about the possibility of success next season.

"We came in just before Christmas where they had lost five of their first eight league games," he told Press Sport.

"From there, the group have dealt with a transition of players in and players out, navigating cup games with cup-tied players, formation change and so much more, whilst going on an eight-game unbeaten run.

"Getting as high as second in the league at one point from ninth shows the talent and resilience this team has developed, and we hope that will be the foundation for something special next season.

"Dunfermline city have a fantastic, honest group of players representing women's football. I urge the city to get behind this team and support us next season."

Preparation for next season is already well underway, with a number of players already committed to the Pars.

Captain Jude Shepherd, and Davie, will be part of their squad for the new campaign, as will Jodie Simpson, Ellis Yeaman, Jodie Barclay, Carolanne Phee, Emily Wyse, Emily McGurnaghan, Lauryn Dow, Summer Garrity, Hannah Colyer, Shannon Kennedy, Olivia Young, Taylor Shields, Tyler Sibbons and Kira Sutter.

The players will be recognised for their efforts in the 2023/24 season when the club holds its end of season awards evening tomorrow (Thursday) at KDM Group East End Park, and Dignan was pleased they ended with a victory.

"We're delighted to finish the season with a derby win," he continued.

"It was a game we had all the possession in but our final third play wasn't where it usually is. We just struggled to find that last pass, and we were wasteful with the clean-cut chances we had.

"The players were excellent though and I am really proud of the way they dealt with the changes this season.

"Not only them as players, but me and my management team have grown so much together. It's been a privilege to work with them."

The club are on the lookout to add experienced players to their squad for next season, whilst sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Training takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Pitreavie, with matches on Sundays. 

For more details, find the club on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.