Having said goodbye to 14 players and with a further six in talks about their future, this is going to be a busy summer for Dunfermline.
Currently sitting with barely a team of first-team-ready stars, the Pars need an extensive rebuild and could easily take their recruitment into double figures ahead of next season.
Chairman and chief executive David Cook has vowed the Fifers are ready to ‘have a go’ in 2025/26 in search of promotion to the Premiership for the first time in nearly two decades.
The identity of the arrivals may depend on getting a deal over the line to hang on to Neil Lennon as manager, something that could be concluded in the coming days.
Few would have envisaged Victor Wanyama ending up at East End Park and previous contacts may be used by the Northern Irishman – as well as a bumper budget – to help Dunfermline land other players normally out of their league.
And, despite owner James Bord’s heralded data and AI methods, there is expected to be an acceptance that the Pars need players with knowledge of the Scottish game and, ideally, experience of winning promotion.
Bearing that in mind, Courier Sport has taken a look at some players the Fifers could find attractive under freedom of contract in the coming weeks.
Ross Docherty
Recently dubbed one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premiership by manager Jim Goodwin, Docherty has been a massive part of Dundee United’s success of late.
A stand-out in the Championship previously with Ayr United and Partick Thistle, the now 32-year-old was one of the players signed by the Tangerines in 2023 to get them out of the division.
Injuries have restricted him to 34 league starts over the last two years. But he is adamant that, putting his issues down to wearing the wrong shoes, his problems are in the past.
Central midfield is not an area of priority for Dunfermline but Docherty’s level of leadership and ability does not become available too often.
Declan Gallagher
The Pars do need to add central defenders to their squad this summer, especially if Lennon is boss and continues with his three-man defence.
The former Scotland internationalist is another who United turned to in a bid to reverse their relegation to the Championship in 2023.
And he is another who has led the strong dressing-room culture at Tannadice in their successful title of last season and European qualification this term.
Dunfermline have already been credited with an interest in the 34-year-old and, with 40 largely stellar appearances in 2024/25, it is easy to see why.
Brian Graham
With just 28 goals in 36 league games, the Fifers’ struggles in front of goal are clear.
Chris Kane netted 11 times in the Championship, despite struggling with injury, and the nearest to him in the top-scorer charts – Ewan Otoo, Lewis McCann, Matty Todd and Josh Cooper – had only three to their name.
So, who better to turn to than the Championship’s sharpest shooter?
Graham could be available as a player if he does not land the Partick Thistle manager’s job. And, despite being 37, his knack for finding the net would go some way to solving one of Dunfermline’s biggest issues.
Gary Mackay-Steven
Mackay-Steven could also become available, with his contract due to expire at Kilmarnock.
The 34-year-old made just 13 appearances for Killie this season, and has made 23 in total since joining on an initial short-term deal in December 2023.
He may want a fresh start and the chance to play more regularly after a difficult few years.
The Pars would certainly welcome the winger’s trickery and ability to open up defences if he proved within their reach.
Reghan Tumilty
With the departure of Aaron Comrie, Dunfermline look short of defensive options on the right-hand side.
After relegation with Hamilton Accies, Tumilty could provide the answer.
Energetic and skilful, the former Ross County and Raith Rovers player would be able to fill in at both full-back and wing-back.
A Challenge Cup winner with Raith and Hamilton, the 28-year-old might welcome the possibility of a promotion push after a difficult campaign with Accies.
Tony Watt
A free agent after being released by Dundee United, Watt made 30 appearances on loan at Motherwell this season.
Although he did not set the heather alight with just a solitary goal, the 31-year-old’s ability is well known to Lennon should the former Celtic boss stay on.
Like Docherty and Gallagher, Watt is another who has experience of winning the Championship with United last year.
And, if Lennon can get the best out of the ex-Celtic, Charlton Athletic and Motherwell marksman, then it could prove the perfect move for both parties.
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