Pars forced to cut 17 players

DUNFERMLINE chairman Ross McArthur insists he was left with “no other option” but to take the “horrendous” step of releasing 17 players because of the ongoing uncertainty hanging over Scottish football.

The Pars became the first club to announce major layoffs when they told all squad members whose contracts expire in the coming days that they will not be getting new deals.

The list includes skipper Paul Paton, vice-captain Lee Ashcroft, former Celtic midfielder Joe Thomson, keeper Ryan Scully and ex-Inverness Caley Thistle defender Danny Devine, as well as strikers Andy Ryan and Callum Smith, and midfielder Tom Beadling.

The Fifers have previously predicted major financial challenges ahead and supporters have rallied to raise over £50,000. But, with a lack of clarity over when and how next season will kick off amidst the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Fifers have decided they simply cannot offer fresh terms to any player at this time.

A statement insisted this was to “protect the future of the club”, which only seven years ago was plunged into administration with debts approaching £10m before being saved by a fan-led consortium.

The move leaves manager Stevie Crawford with just 12 first-team players on the books for next term, including striker Kevin Nisbet, who was previously wanted by Hibs and Dundee United, Ryan Dow and Euan Murray, as well as a host of less-experienced youngsters.

“It was horrendous coming to this decision,” he commented. “That’s the worst part of managing a business, when you have to tell people you have to let them go.

“I spoke to the manager after the calls he made and it’s not nice; it’s horrible, situations like that. But, at the same time, I’ve got the responsibility to make what I feel is the right decision for the football club, to protect Dunfermline Athletic going forward.”