Jim Jefferies has outlined his reasons for stepping down as manager at Dunfermline.
The former Hearts boss confirmed the decision this morning after a run of poor results for the Pars.
After meeting his players at Pitreavie, he said: “To be honest, I was wanting to pack it up last year with the disappointment of Cowdenbeath but the board wanted me to stay on.
“I said this would be my last year and thought it would be nice to have got them promoted this season.
“I still think it’s possible because there’s more than half the season to go.
“But part of me was saying that given what’s happened in the last few weeks, going into a big game on Saturday, there might not be very much patience and there might be a different atmosphere.
“So I thought if there was going to be a change it’s time to do it now.”
Youth team coach John Potter is expected to fill the role vacated by Jefferies, something that has been in the pipeline for some time, with assistant Neil McCann likely to stay on as Potter’s number two.
“John and Neil will now try to move the club on, and it’s in safe hands,” Jefferies added.
“I hope the fans get behind them and players, and I still believe they can get up.
“The fans have been fantastic and have appreciated the tough time we’ve gone through.
“But I think this is the right time to go.”
For more on the future for Dunfermline, see Wednesday’s Courier or try our digital edition.