Dunfermline Athletic squad overhaul brings in new faces

Dunfermline Athletic have reshaped their squad with new arrivals and 15 departures, including a loan-to-permanent deal for goalkeeper Aston Oxborough, as they sit fifth in the Championship.

Dunfermline Athletic have completed a major squad overhaul ahead of the 2026 Championship season, bringing in new players while 15 have left the club. The moves include a significant rebuild in goal and attack as the team looks to build on a start that has them fifth in the table with nine points from six games, having scored five goals and conceded four.

The most notable arrival is goalkeeper Aston Oxborough, who joins from Motherwell on a loan-to-permanent basis for an undisclosed fee. The club also secured the permanent signing of forward Olly Thomas from Bristol City, another undisclosed fee. Manager James McPake confirmed the business was aimed at adding depth and competition across the pitch.

Further permanent deals saw midfielder Kian Corbally arrive from Ballymena United, goalkeeper Musa Dibaga from Crusaders, and forward Trayvion Jackson from Bristol City. Defender Luke Robinson signed from Wigan Athletic, forward Olamilekan Adams joined from Dynamo Ceskd Budejovice, and forward Oli Shaw came in from Hamilton Academical.

Loan additions bolster defence

A series of loan deals have strengthened the defensive options. Dylan Lobban joined from Aberdeen, Allan Oyirwoth arrived from New England Revolution, and Sam Cleall-Harding came in from Dundee United. Aaron Donnelly signed from Dundee and Freddie Turley joined from Derby County to complete the defensive reinforcements.

The club also confirmed a number of departures, both permanent and temporary. Midfielder Matty Todd moved to St Johnstone, while defenders Keiran Ngwenya and Ewan Otoo both joined Rotherham United. Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen left for Wigan Athletic and Sam Young moved to Stenhousemuir, both for undisclosed fees.

Forward Connor Young and goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet both departed for Queen of the South, with Mehmet's move also involving an undisclosed fee. Midfielder Chris Hamilton moved to Ross County and defender Sam Fisher joined Airdrieonians. The club also released midfielder Tashan Oakley-Boothe, forward Kane Ritchie-Hosler, and defender Liam Hoggan. Oakley-Boothe had made 22 appearances this season without scoring.

Loan spells for midfielder Graham Carey and forward Olly Thomas ended, with the players returning to Livingston and Bristol City respectively. The club also loaned out several younger players to gain experience. Ewan McLeod joined East Fife, Freddie Rowe moved to Edinburgh City, and Alasdair Davidson signed for Kelty Hearts. Callum Shearer went to Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and Struan McLeod joined Dundonald Bluebell.

Building on solid start

The reshaped squad will aim to continue a solid start to the campaign. Dunfermline sit fifth in the Championship standings, seven points behind leaders Stenhousemuir. Their recent form shows two wins, one draw and two losses from the last five matches. The team's last outing was a 2-0 home victory over Queen's Park on September 12, with goals from J. Cooper and R. MacLeod.

That result improved their goal difference to plus one. The new-look squad now prepares for its next test, an away trip to face Morton on September 19, as seen on the full fixtures list. Morton currently sit tenth in the table. The club's injury situation is also tracked on our dedicated injuries page.

Manager James McPake said the extensive changes were necessary to build a squad capable of challenging in the division. The club now turns its focus to integrating the new signings ahead of the next league fixture.