East Fife will move their preparations for the new season up a few gears today.
Following games against Lowland League outfits Gala and Preston Athletic, Gary Naysmith’s men now take on Fulham.
Felix Magath’s squad, who shared the same disappointment of Naysmith’s when they were relegated at the end of last season, are in Scotland for a training camp that includes games at Bayview and at Motherwell on Tuesday night.
A campaign that they hope will see them bounce straight into the Premier League begins in Fife, and Naysmith is telling his players to make the most of the occasion.
He said: “This might only be a friendly but it is a terrific opportunity for our players to see some fantastic players close up. It is a huge boost for everyone that we managed to get this game arranged and I am sure our players will enjoy the test and learn from it.
“We have players who will want to say that they have scored against Fulham, or done something spectacular against them, so I am sure that we will put on a performance that we can be pleased with.”
After a 3-0 win at Gala and a 3-2 success at the Pennypit, Naysmith is looking for his men to take the game to the Craven Cottage side.
He explained: “We want to go out and attack Fulham as there is no point in sitting in. We want to enjoy the game and hopefully give them something to think about.”
Former Hibs and Dumbarton defender Scott Smith and ex-Easter Road midfielder Jamie Beaton are again included as deals for the pair inch ever closer, with Naysmith also taking the opportunity to field one further un-named trialist.
After featuring in both pre-season games so far, Naysmith could be tempted to get involved against a side he played against in the Premiership during his Everton days.
He added: “I will see how things go. I have brought myself on in the last two games, however this game is very different. If our players are doing well I may just watch from the side-lines.”
Magath has brought in defender Kay Voser from Swiss side Basel this week, and he joins up with fellow new recruits, ex-Motherwell centre back Shaun Hutchinson and right-back Tim Hoogland.