Discussions between Dunfermline and Kelty Hearts are on-going with a view to making Michael Tidser the next Pars boss.
The thinking is, no matter how entrenched either side might be at this point, that an agreement will finally be reached.
Tidser’s absence from the Kelty dugout for the goalless draw with Montrose last weekend was an indication that his future appears to lie elsewhere.
So, what will be the main issues facing Tidser – or another head coach if talks break down irrevocably – when he finally gets his feet under the manager’s desk?
January transfer window
When fully fit, Dunfermline have a fairly strong Championship squad.
There is a blend of the experience and knowhow of the likes of Kyle Benedictus, David Wotherspoon, Chris Kane, Craig Wighton and Craig Clay, and the youthful vigour of Ewan Otoo, Kane Ritchie-Hosler, Kieran Ngwenya and Josh Cooper.
Still young but with more first-team experience are Lewis McCann, Chris Hamilton and Matty Todd.
Saturday’s 4-1 hammering of Partick Thistle in Glasgow is proof of what they are capable of.
However, any new manager will want to put his own stamp on the squad he inherits and January allows for that.
Much will depend on the status of the takeover at East End Park and whether that might inject some fresh finance into the budget.
But, despite scoring seven goals in two games under interim boss John McLaughlan, an out-and-out striker, cover in the full-back positions and another wide player might be on the wanted list.
Loan market
Despite the purse strings only being loosened for McPake late on in the summer, Dunfermline preferred not to rely too heavily on the loan market.
Tobi Oluwayemi was recruited from Celtic and Tommy Fogarty from Birmingham City but all other signings were permanent.
Both will have release clauses during the transfer window but Dunfermline will be keen to retain the duo’s services.
Oluwayemi has been first-choice since his arrival and Fogarty has returned to the starting line-up under McLaughlan.
Twelve months ago, the Pars drafted in Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Brad Holmes, Xavier Benjamin, Miles Welch-Hayes and Kane on loan to supplement an injury-ravaged squad.
They do not have the same availability issues at this point but loans may still be seen as useful to successfully see out the current campaign.
Tidser has been well served by loan players at Kelty this season, with Dundee United goalkeeper Ruaridh Adams, Rangers’ Connor Allan and Hibernian youngster Jacob MacIntyre important figures.
A few more like that could bolster the Dunfermline squad for the remainder of the season.
Keeping Chris Kane fit
With two goals in two games under McLaughlan, Kane has again proven his importance to Dunfermline.
Four goals in four games during October was another indication of what he brings to the team when he is fit and firing.
That fitness – which wrecked his final two years at St Johnstone – has been an issue this season and restricted him to 18 appearances (with three from the bench) from a possible 28.
The marquee summer signing now has six goals to his name but the way he leads the attack is just as important.
Euan Murray’s red card in September’s Fife derby against Raith Rovers and the penalty he won against Falkirk were down to his doggedness and willingness to put in the hard yards.
The hope will be that Kane’s calf issues are firmly behind him now after two stints on the sidelines and troubles in between.
However, being such a key player to the Fifers’ improvements, the new manager will need to find a way to manage Kane’s availability – to get the best out of both him and the team.
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