Pars will focus on derby friendly but SPL issue rumbles on

DUNFERMLINE Athletic will focus on the football tonight rather than off the field issues as they host East Fife for the first home friendly of the season.

While the Pars’ board of directors continue to contemplate what action, if any, they will take after Dundee were invited to fulfil Club 12’s fixtures in the SPL, manager Jim Jefferies was yesterday preparing his players for their first preseason fixture following the postponement of their game at Berwick at the weekend.

It was looking increasingly likely last night that the Pars are likely to seek compensation rather than challenge the decision to promote Dundee, although Pars chairman John Yorkston has insisted his club still has a strong claim to top flight football.

While legal action has not yet been ruled out, a statement issued by the club’s board directors said they were “obviously disappointed” with the decision taken.

“DAFC

felt

they

had a valid claim for Club 12 status,” it read.

“However, whilst we wait for the reasons and rationale behind the decisions from the SPL to enable any thoughts on any action, we are now focusing entirely on SFL1 and look to all our fans to get behind Jim Jefferies and his new team.

“Our first friendly match is this Wednesday (tonight) and we look forward to welcoming along as many DAFC fans, and East Fife fans, as possible.

“We would also like to wish Dundee FC all the best for 2012-13.”

Meanwhile, East Fife manager Gordon Durie may use tonight’s clash to have another look at Bob Malcolm, Iain Williamson and Collin Samuel, who have been training with the Methil men in recent weeks.

All three have featured in the club’s pre-season games, although no deals have yet been struck to keep them beyond their trial periods.

Durie saw his team outclassed by St Johnstone a week ago but was happier with the improvement shown against Hibs on Saturday, despite the 2-0 scoreline.

“We’ll kick on from here and we’ve got a few full games yet before we have to be ready,” he said.

“We want to be ready for July 28 and although we’ve been disappointed to lose a few goals in the games, they have been good workouts for the players.”

Kick-off for tonight’s game is 7.30pm and entry prices are £6 for adults and £4 for concessions. ARBROATH MANAGER Paul Sheerin will be hoping to test his side against SPL opposition tonight when a Motherwell side visit Gayfield.

The Lichties will be keen to put their 5-1 weekend defeat at home to Aberdeen behind them as they continue their preparations for another season in the Second Division.

The club’s latest preseason game has a 7.30pm kick-off and admission is £10 for adults, £5 concessions and £12 for an adult and child ticket.