Dunfermline have taken the shock decision to close one of their stands to save money.
The North Stand at East End Park, which is opposite the Main (South) Stand, will now lie empty. Up to now it has housed home supporters and, for bigger games such as those against the Old Firm, visiting fans.
In a frank explanation, the club did not hide their financial challenges.
A collective declaration from the directors said: ”The board have come to the enormously hard decision that, with great regret, they will have to close the North Stand at East End Park as the first in a series of actions necessary in our overall cost/income review.
”The board’s aim this season is to consolidate DAFC’s place in the Scottish Premier League and we are working hard to further reduce our overheads, so that we are able to absorb the impact of the ongoing deterioration in the general economic climate, which unfortunately has led to a reduction in attendances and commercial income for all clubs.
”By taking this drastic step it will save Dunfermline Athletic well over £20,000 per season as it will significantly reduce police and stewarding costs these being the one of the largest costs that DAFC have to meet every season.”
Chairman John Yorkston called for understanding from fans and held out hope of a reopening.
He said: ”This has been an extremely hard decision for the board to make and we have had a number of meetings over the last few weeks to examine how we reduce our costs further
”We sincerely hope that our fans will understand the reasons behind this decision and we do hope that in the future we will be in a position that we can reverse this decision.”
Supporters with season tickets are being asked to choose an alternative seat in the Norrie McCathie or Main (South) Stand at no extra cost. The club added that those two stands provide ”ample seating” for home fans for most games.
In another cost-cutting move under consideration, every fixture could be made all-ticket.