Pars look for first Euro win since ‘69

By: Ian Rose | August 16th, 2007

In the last of three nights in a row of European football for Scottish sides, Dunfermline looks to complete the set after good performances by both Celtic and Rangers. But unlike the Old Firm sides in the Champions League, Pars are underdogs to go forward from tonight’s UEFA Cup second qualifying round match with BK Hacken of Sweden. In fact, they’ve gone 38 years without a win in Europe. You have to look all the way back to November, 1969, when Pars beat Gwardia Warsaw in the now-defunct Intercities Fairs Cup, the precursor of the UEFA Cup.

Manager Steven Kenny, all too aware that many Scottish fans are unhappy with a recently relegated side representing them in Europe, is calling for the neutral fans to get behind Dunfermline. “I would say to a lot of neutrals ‘come and get behind us’.”, he told The Scotsman. “We’re not a big club, we’re in the First Division, but we’re representing Scottish football in Europe.”

I’m with you, Pars. Even though I’ve made it clear in a number of forums that I don’t think you’ll make it back to the SPL anytime soon, an opinion supported by your two opening losses, any Scottish team in Europe deserves the support of the nation. If Pars can manage a win, then that can only help Scotland’s UEFA coefficient, which helps all Scottish sides by inching us closer to that coveted 9th-place spot, and its instant Champions League group stage pass. Good luck to Dunfermline tonight - judging by the toughness of Swedish sides so far this season, you’re going to need it. On the bright side, Hacken was also relegated last season, and only qualified by way of the ultimate back door of European qualification, the Fair Play incentive.