Jefferies ready to begin Pars’ fight against the drop

FORMER Hearts boss Jim Jefferies was today set to be unveiled as Dunfermline manager after being targeted as the man to revive their SPL survival bid.

Jefferies, who lost his job at Tynecastle three games into the season, signed a contract yesterday after beginning talks with the Fife club on Sunday, two days after Jim McIntyre was sacked. He now has has eight matches to overturn a four-point deficit on Hibs.

Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston told the club’s official website: “We are delighted to secure the services of someone with a proven track record, someone with such a vast experience in football management.’’

The length of contract was thought to have been a stumbling block to a deal with Yorkston having admitted he would be happy with a short-term option. However, Jefferies has signed a longer deal with details set to be confirmed.

The 61-year-old’s opening game comes against St Mirren on Saturday, where Dunfermline are seeking their first home win of the season. The relegation battle will see Jefferies come up against Billy Brown. The pair worked together at Gala Fairydean, Berwick, Falkirk, Bradford, Kilmarnock and in two spells with Hearts.