ALLAN JOHNSTON hopes Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘winning mentality’ will rub off on Dunfermline this week as they bid to keep their promotion dreams alive.
Ferguson was at East End Park on Saturday to help some of his former Pars team-mates celebrate the 50th anniversary of their 1968 Scottish Cup triumph, and he took time out to chat with Johnston, his staff and players ahead of their key league encounter against Dumbarton.
The legendary former Manchester United and Aberdeen manager witnessed a comfortable 4-0 victory that sent the Fifers into Tuesday night’s first-leg of their play-off quarter-final with Dundee United full of confidence.
And Johnston is convinced his team is in a good place as his players attempt to set up a semi-final showdown with Livingston for a crack at a return to the Premiership.
He said: “Sir Alex came in and spoke to us and all the staff.
“It’s great when you meet guys like that, who have been right at the very top of the game and managed the best teams and the best players in the world.
“I’m sure that’s inspiration for the boys.
“Did he pass on any advice? Just win!
INCREDIBLE
“When you look at the record he’s got, it’s incredible. He’s a winner.
“If there’s anything to take from meeting guys like that it’s realising what it takes to win.
“I’m sure that must have got through to his players, his work ethic and his winning mentality.
“The aim is promotion. We’ve done the first part in getting us to the play-offs.
“Now, it’s up to us. The season’s not finished, there’s a lot to play for.
“You can see the boys have got the bit between their teeth, they’re really focused and they’re desperate to put a run of results together. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”
