Tashan Oakley-Boothe is convinced Neil Lennon can help bring out his best at Dunfermline after he penned a 12-month contract extension.
The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster is relishing the prospect of a pre-season with the Pars after feeling like he was plunged into a club in ‘panic’ when he arrived on a short-term deal back in February.
The 25-year-old, whose senior Spurs debut came in a pre-season game against PSG in 2017, was a free agent after a move to Estrela da Amadora in the Portuguese top-flight turned sour.
But, with the Fifers struggling to avoid relegation and subsequently sacking their second manager – Michael Tidser – in the space of barely two months, it was not the ideal scenario for the midfielder to thrive.
And, after sustaining the setback of a hamstring injury in the seventh of nine appearances, the Londoner is eager to start afresh in the new campaign.
“I’m glad to be back at Dunfermline, and always grateful I’d say as well,” said Oakley-Boothe.
“This season, we’ve come back with different expectations and different goals.
“Last season wasn’t good enough. So it’s just about being better, for the fans, for the club, as players, and just moving forward.
“Last season, a lot of players came in January, so it was very difficult. It wasn’t really a chance for a lot of players to gel in such a small amount of time. It’s almost like panic.
“We start the season fresh and pre-season is always good when you have a set manager.”
Oakley-Boothe: ‘It was refreshing’ for Pars
Dunfermline took up the option of a further 12 months on Oakley-Boothe’s agreement, which he formally penned last week.
He showed glimpses of his quality on the ball in a struggling Pars team towards the end of the campaign. But he will be hoping to peak more regularly after getting a chance to prepare properly this summer.
“As a player, it’s important to have a full pre-season and then go into the season,” he added.
“It’s always easier, on your body. You’re going to be sharper – technically, physically.
“It just gives everybody a chance to work on team stuff as well as individual, i.e. tactical stuff, with the manager signing here for two years.
“Everybody knows where the manager’s been and what he’s done in the game. I’d say him coming in, because of the results and [what had happened] before, it was refreshing.
“When he did come in, it was more of a kick up the backside. That’s how it felt, that’s how the environment felt to everybody.
“As a player, you want to know that there’s a plan. And I think there is a plan with myself and the club and the manager.
“That’s always reassuring. I’ve been at clubs where it’s almost felt like a dead end. Where nobody talks to you.
“But, here, it’s more of an open environment. You’re spoken to more. You know what’s going on within the group, the club, yourself, the team. It’s good.”
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