Proof our pathway is on track at Bayview

The Bayview club launched its under 20s team at the start of last season with the Methil gaffer saying then that he wouldn’t be afraid to use some of them in his top team if needed.

He’s been true to his word, with several of the club’s youngsters appearing on the bench and getting game time.

Two of those who have clearly impressed, and are considered ready for the step up, are Scottish youth internationals Josh McConville and Liam Newton.

Both are now part of the first team squad and the Bayview manager says it should encourage other talented youngsters in the area that there are opportunities to develop and gain senior experience at East Fife.

Young said: “Josh and Liam have been given an opportunity to impress and did well last season.

“By training with the first team hopefully that will improve them again.

“There are another couple of the young guys who we’re looking at as well but, at the moment, those two are the strongest.

“They have a wee bit about them, have a good attitude, and hopefully as well the young players in the area can see there’s a pathway now at the club and think ‘you know, I’d have a chance there’.”

The Fifers this week had their start date for a return to League One duty on October 17 confirmed.

The Betfred League Cup is likely to kick off on October 3.

One player increasingly unlikely to appear for the Fifers next season is forward Anton Dowds. Dowds is now believed to be in advanced talks with full-time clubs.

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