As the clock ticks down on the Championship season, Dunfermline Athletic finds itself in a critical moment, with just three fixtures remaining. Midfielder Craig Clay is rallying his teammates for a united push to safety as they prepare to host Partick Thistle at KDM Group East End Park on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the 32-year-old veteran, who has amassed over 450 senior appearances across 14 seasons, is determined to avoid a repeat of the relegation heartbreak he experienced last season with Sutton United.
“Throughout the season we’ve not exactly had the results we wanted, but I think even more so now, you can see everyone pulling together and making sure we achieve that objective of getting ourselves safe,” said Clay, who previously celebrated title wins in the National League and EFL League Two with Leyton Orient. “I’ve been relegated once and it wasn’t a nice feeling, so hopefully that’s the first and last time. That was last year at Sutton and it has a knock-on effect for everyone to do with the club. So we’ve got to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Currently, the Pars sit seventh in the Championship table, a position bolstered by Hamilton Academical’s recent 15-point deduction. This penalty has shifted the dynamics of the league, allowing Dunfermline to climb to 33 points, five clear of the relegation play-off zone and 13 above the bottom of the table. With Hamilton now at 20 points, the pressure is on the Accies, who will be relegated if they fail to secure a win against Queen's Park.
Neil Lennon’s arrival as manager just three weeks ago appears to have galvanized the squad further. Clay noted the positive changes brought by Lennon, saying, “Yes, a couple of little harsh rules that the gaffers brought in… You do your work when you’re on the training pitch, but now lads are playing table tennis, so it’s that togetherness, just having a little laugh and just speaking to each other more and maybe getting to know each other more.”
Despite the age range within the squad, with Clay as one of the more experienced heads among several younger players, he has been impressed by how well the group has bonded. “All the younger lads are on there playing table tennis with the older boys and things like that, so it’s a real good feel between the group,” he added.
This camaraderie extends beyond the training ground, with Clay humorously highlighting the competitive spirit in table tennis: “I’m going to put myself up there. I’ll tell you what, Andrew Tod’s got a bit. He’s very good. Bene’s good… Ritchie-Hosler’s good… Matty Todd’s decent. There’s probably a good five, six, seven, eight lads that’s got a bit.”
As Dunfermline prepares to welcome Partick Thistle, they are hoping this newfound unity translates into three crucial points in their bid to secure Championship safety. Lennon emphasized the need for consistency, stating, “We just have to look after ourselves and, if we do that, we’ll be fine. It’s really important that we continue our consistency.”
Last week, Dunfermline achieved a vital 1-0 victory against Queen's Park, with Chris Kane scoring the decisive goal. This win not only boosted their morale but also solidified their position in the league. Lennon expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, saying, “The performance again was good against Queen’s Park and the temperament of the team was good. There was no panic and no desperation about them, which really pleased me.”
Under Lennon’s guidance, Dunfermline has won two matches and lost two, with the defeats coming against Ayr United and Hamilton. The two victories, however, have been crucial in pushing the Pars up the table. Lennon has also brought in former Celtic star Victor Wanyama, who made a splash in his debut but was sent off against Ayr United for a red card offense. This incident highlights the challenges the team faces as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Looking ahead, Dunfermline's next match against Partick Thistle could be pivotal. A win would not only boost their points tally but also significantly enhance their chances of avoiding relegation. Lennon acknowledged the importance of the upcoming game, stating, “We’re going to have to change a little bit but not too much. We’ll try and get on the front foot and keep the pressure on them as much as we can.”
With the season winding down, the atmosphere at Dunfermline is charged with urgency and determination. The players are aware of the stakes, and the support from fans has been unwavering. Clay remarked on the fans’ role, saying, “We’re giving everything on the pitch and you can see that they’re turning up in numbers, making themselves heard, even on Saturday at Queen’s Park.”
As the Pars gear up for their crucial encounter with Partick Thistle, the focus is clear: secure the points needed to ensure their Championship status. The chemistry within the squad, the leadership of Lennon, and the support from the fans all contribute to a hopeful outlook as they approach the final matches of the season.
In conclusion, Dunfermline Athletic stands at a crossroads, with their fate hanging in the balance. With a united front and a determination to succeed, the team is poised to make a strong push for safety in the Championship. The upcoming match against Partick Thistle will be a defining moment in their quest to remain in the league and avoid the heartbreak of relegation once again.
