Team spirit creates success, says Dunfermline boss Jim Mcintyre

Oct 12 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

DUNFERMLINE gaffer Jim McIntyre is building a special team spirit at East End Park - by making nights out compulsory.

The Pars boss scooped the Irn-Bru First Division Manager of the Month award for September last week after the Fifers enjoyed a four-game unbeaten run.

McIntyre has taken his side to third in the table after transforming the club in a short space of time.

Following the disastrous reign of Irishman Stephen Kenny, Jim revealed he's got the players smiling again thanks to bonding sessions away from the training pitch.

He said: "Players have to enjoy coming to their work. I like organising things away from training. I love a day out myself.

"It's important. Every six weeks you should get them together whether it's a golf day or a meal and a beer - whatever.

"Even the boys who aren't drinkers go for a couple of hours.

"Too many nights were organised where one group would go and one wouldn't. It's now compulsory for everyone to go.

"It's not like they have to go and drink 10 pints but they have to be there at least.

"When we went to Austria during pre-season they had their standard night out at the end of the trip.

"There's nothing in Obertraun so they were in a nightclub by themselves.

"They had some beers, a dance off and a sing-along. That stuff is great for bonding.

"The boys used to come in every Sunday but I don't agree with that. You don't gain as much in your brain if you have a family.

"That's not to say I'm right. Billy Reid and Mark McGhee have their guys in and do a tremendous job. Each to their own."

McIntyre is in doubt why he has got off to a good start as a boss. Being an injured player when Kenny's team were relegated he could analyse what was going wrong.

He said: "I knew the characters and when people would want to take the Mickey.

"I'd spent a large part of my first nine months there injured. You pick up on things and it has been easier putting my own stamp on the squad from pre-season onwards."