Dunfermline Athletic CEO ramps up pressure on Victor Wanyama after splashing big money on him

Victor Wanyama ©Dunfermline

Dunfermline Athletic CEO ramps up pressure on Victor Wanyama after splashing big money on him

Joel Omotto 21:59 - 01.04.2025

Dunfermline Athletic CEO David Cook has explained what he expects from Victor Wanyama after taking a chance on the experienced Kenyan midfielder.

Dunfermline Athletic CEO David Cook has moved to assure supporters that the big-money signing of Victor Wanyama is designed to lift the club to greater heights.

Wanyama made a shock move to the Scottish second tier side last week but had a nightmare debut as he was sent off 20 minutes into his first match last Saturday when Dunfermline Athletic lost 3-0 to Ayr United.

Wanyama’s arrival followed the appointment of his former Celtic coach Neil Lennon, who joined the club in late March, following the sacking of Michael Tidser, as new owners James Bord and Evan Sofer begin to take control of things.

That has seen the supporters raise concerns whether the club will be able to afford such big spending given their recent financial struggles.

“A few fans have raised concerns about the high levels of investment that Park Bench has made in the club after a busy transfer window and then with the additions of Neil Lennon and Victor Wanyama,” Cook said through a club statement to supporters on Tuesday.

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“I want to assure supporters that James and Evan are aware of the importance of financial stability for the club.

“They are committed to investing in the club (on and off the pitch) to ensure that we have a bright future ahead. But this will not be funded by external debt. That’s not their model.”

With the club second from bottom in the Scottish second tier and facing the prospect of relegation to the third tier, Cook believes Wanyama, who signed a short-term deal until the end of the season, has what they need to stay up.

“The club was also delighted to welcome Victor Wanyama to the club last week. It’s arguably one of the highest-profile signings in the club’s history, bringing global attention to the Pars,” he added.

“Short-term, we hope Victor’s quality and experience, even despite Saturday’s unfortunate dismissal, will help the club and his team-mates in the run-in.”

Dunfermline Athletic are ninth in the 10-team league with 27 points from 30 matches and badly need wins to get higher up the table with six matches remaining.

They take on Livingston on Wednesday, without the suspended Wanyama, but the former Harambee Stars captain will be back for their league clash against Hamilton Accies on Saturday.