Dunfermline boss John Hughes has urged his players to ‘jump aboard’ for a Scottish Cup adventure.
Hughes has described himself as a ‘lucky man’ in this competition, lifting the famous old trophy in 2015 with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
He also masterminded a run to the final in 2009 with the Pars’ great rivals Falkirk.
The Hampden showpiece may be a pipe dream for Dunfermline — finalists as recently as 2007 — but ‘Yogi’ has urged his charges to embrace his ambitions for the club.
“I’ve got good history with the Scottish Cup,” smiled Hughes.
“I’ve been a lucky man to have reached two Scottish Cup finals as a manager — and very lucky to win the trophy one year.
“I know what it’s all about and I know the history of the Scottish Cup at this club.
“We know what is at stake and that message will be clear to the players.
“If you have the mindset of appreciating the history and size of this club, saying ‘I fancy a bit of that’, then jump aboard, because that (pointing to the sky) is where we are going to go.”
Thistle threat
Hughes, however, is loath to underestimate the challenge posed by Partick Thistle, bossed by his close pal Ian McCall.
Indeed, McCall managed Hughes in the twilight of his playing career at Falkirk.
“We’ll be right up against it,” acknowledged Hughes. “We’ll need to hit the heights that we hit against Ayr [3-0 win] to make sure we reach the next round.
“Ian McCall is a good friend of mine and he does a good job.
“I played under him at Falkirk, I know his coaching staff — [Neil] Scally and those guys — and I’m really looking forward to it.”
‘This is a call to arms’
Should the Pars navigate a tricky trip to Firhill, it will further enhance a burgeoning feel-good factor on the Halbeath Road.
Dunfermline are not back at East End Park until the December 11 visit of Queen of the South — but Hughes has no qualms about starting his rallying cry early as he seeks to reenergise a fanbase.
“If we keep building the crowd and the momentum, it all plays a part,” continued the former Hibs boss. “That’s us rolling in one direction.
“I think a lot of fans are disillusioned, and they move on to something else. But if we can get them back and show them what we are doing, they’ll get the bug again.
“I’ve been at provincial clubs where you are driving in and you see the Old Firm buses going the other way. Now, I’m not against that. Each to their own.
“But a top, true supporter stands by the community and supports their community club.
“This is a call to arms. We need you. We need you in your numbers. We’re not getting carried away but there’s a wee taste of something happening right now.”
