Eager to return to action as Spartans visit

East Fife's players have returned enthusiastic and ready from their summer break as the pre-season fixture list begins this weekend.
Gary Naysmith (pic by Alan Murray)Gary Naysmith (pic by Alan Murray)
Gary Naysmith (pic by Alan Murray)

Spartans FC are the visitors and Bayview manager Gary Naysmith says his squad is keen to get into action again.

Last season’s League Two champions had come back “really fit” and, by Saturday, will have had eight training sessions under their belts.

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Naysmith hinted he may try some exploratory line-ups in the opening couple of games.

Jonathan Page, Brodie Gray, Jason Kerr and Jordan Austin, for example, will be missing on Saturday, so the boss is likely to give some of the trialists a chance and allow of other players around half a game each, with the goalkeepers alternating between the first two matches.

Although he wanted “to win and do well”, Naysmith added the close season was a good time without pressure to think about trying some players out in different positions and generally experimenting.

He also told the Mail he hoped to make a couple of additional new signings and discussions over these were continuing.

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Keen to build on the success of last season, Naysmith is aware of what 2016-17 will bring in terms of new opponents and the approach and preparation this will entail.

He’ll be watching the game on Friday between Alloa and Dundee – both of whom the Fifers will play during July and August – and said: “We want to see how we fare in the league above.”

Saturday’s kick-off against Spartans is at 2pm, with the next match on Tuesday against Edinburgh City.

Turn to page 47.