The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Success on pitch would be ‘welcome bonus’ for Pars
DUNFERMLINE’S board of directors have insisted anything the players achieve on the pitch this season will be a “welcome bonus” as the club seeks to steady the ship financially.
While the Pars’ 1-0 derby victory over Raith Rovers on Wednesday moved them back to within touching distance of top spot in the First Division, fans have been told sorting out the club’s cashflow problems remains the Fife outfit’s main aim moving into the second half of the 2012-13 campaign — and not necessarily promotion back to the SPL.
Wage delays and unpaid bills marred the end of the year for the club but the board is confident the income gained from two big derby fixtures in the last few weeks has moved the club on to a much more sound financial footing.
With the club’s proposed share issue — to be launched in the next few days — expected to raise up to £500,000 in additional capital, the Pars hope their problems will soon diminish.
“We hope to be in a much more stable position moving forward,” the club said.
“We do still have a couple of bumpy months ahead but with the ongoing support from the fans — by the end of the season we fully expect to be in a much more stable position once more.
“The board fully support the manager and the players to perform as well as possible and we will do whatever we can to help achieve success on the park.
“However, the priority is clear — to get our own house in order first and anything the players can achieve will be a welcome bonus.
“The last few months have been, we feel, the most challenging faced by any board of directors at Dunfermline and the board would especially like to thank all the fans who have rallied behind the club — in particular the assistance shown by the Pars Alive group and Centenary Club in contributing funds directly to the club to assist with the payments to under-20s for November and in assisting us to make substantial inroads to our outstanding utility bills.”
It is understood the club hopes to reduce its costs by around £300,000 and the board has pledged to bring its utility bills back to normal tariffs after penalties was imposed for late payments.
Continuing to reduce creditors and keeping lines of communication open with supporters have also been identified as key New Year resolutions for the Pars board, as has cutting its HMRC arrears.
Following the problems in meeting an £81,000 tax bill in November, Courier Sport understands the club was able to pay a £40,000 instalment in the last few days — although there is still said to be an amount outstanding.
“This remains a key priority for the board to have cleared as soon as possible,” the board added.
Meanwhile, after the highs of a derby win, Pars manager Jim Jefferies has quickly had to turn his attention to tomorrow’s trip to bottom side Dumbarton.
Despite ending a run of four games without a victory on Wednesday to move back within two points of top spot, the Pars’ game tomorrow has suddenly become all the more daunting given Dumbarton’s run of results.
The Sons’ 4-3 win away to Falkirk, who beat the Pars 1-0 on Boxing Day, was followed up by a remarkable 3-0 win at league leaders Morton on Wednesday, and Jefferies is understandably wary about the task his side faces.
“We have a run of games now that will not be easy,” he said.
“Dumbarton under Ian Murray have obviously got themselves a bit of confidence so it will not be an easy game.
“But we will go down there with confidence after getting a lift from the three points against Raith.”
Jefferies has also praised the club’s supporters for sticking with the team and hopes a sizeable crowd travels west tomorrow.
“The support have been fantastic and they have been right behind the players and the team,” he said.
“That is when you need your supporters because they understand the circumstances and can see that the players are giving their all for the club.”