Jim Jefferies has confirmed Dunfermline’s interest in rescuing Derek Riordan from the football wilderness.
The former Hibs and Celtic striker has been out of the game since last playing for Bristol Rovers in the English League Two almost a year ago and spoke recently of his frustration at being left on the shelf at the age of just 30.
The one-time Scotland internationalist has revealed he offered to play for Hibs again for free but has been left to ponder his future further down the divisions after being linked with the likes of Alloa Athletic, Arbroath and Berwick Rangers.
With Dunfermline now out of administration, Jefferies is hopeful of being able to add some experience to his squad when the club’s transfer embargo is lifted on December 31.
And having had initial contact with Riordan, the former Hearts manager has confessed he would be keen on giving the former Hibs fans’ favourite the SPL’s third-highest scorer of all time the opportunity to kick-start his career at East End Park.
Jefferies said: “We read about Derek’s current situation on the way to the Stranraer game a couple of weeks ago and wondered what he was looking to do.
“We spoke to him about coming over to train, but we know there are a few clubs interested in him and that’s as far as it’s gone so far.
“There’s no point in him just coming in to train, but if it was coming in with a view to being interested in a deal here then that would be a different thing.
“Anybody who has watched us will know we make a good number of chances and somebody of his experience would, I’m sure, be a help to the younger players that are already here.”
Meanwhile, Jefferies believes everyone associated with the club is on the cusp of creating something “really special” at East End Park.
In an open letter to supporters yesterday, the manager admitted it might have been easy to walk away following the Pars’ well-documented financial strife, but said loyalty to the players he had brought to the club as well as the response from fans to the club’s problems on and off the field ensured he would remain at the helm moving forward.
With a new regime in place behind the scenes, Jefferies is targeting a swift step up to the Championship for the club he has grown to love.
“The whole place seems to have been lifted in recent weeks, and there is a real sense of togetherness between the supporters, players, management team and directors,” Jefferies noted.
“It has been well documented that I had been looking for one last challenge, and it has certainly proved to be one heck of a challenge.
“However, that will make the success that we crave all the more sweet when it does arrive.
“I said before that this club was exactly the type of opportunity I was looking for, as I always felt it was a traditional football club, with a real sense of community and a proud history, backed by good people and supporters.
“To me, the events of recent months have simply proved how right I had been with my initial thoughts.
“I reiterate that DAFC can be a force to be reckoned with, there is no doubt about that, and I would obtain real satisfaction personally if I was able to restore some pride by continuing to build an attractive football team to watch at East End Park.
The Pars are back in action at home to Stenhousemuir and Jefferies is determined to get their promotion push back on track.
“I will not be making rash promises about finishing here or there in the league this season, as our opponents pick up on these things, but getting up to the Championship, particularly for next season has to be our immediate aim,” he insisted.