Bring on the Bairns!
Graham Gibson • Published 5 Oct 2012 09:00
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PARS boss Jim Jefferies insists there will be no room for sentiment as he looks to heap the pressure on former club Falkirk.
The Pars are looking for their sixth league win on the bounce while the Bairns are languishing third-bottom of the First Division.
The Dunfermline boss was voted Manager of the Millenium by Falkirk fans and the bitter Pars-Bairns rivalry remains forever etched in his mind.
Though he once helped Falkirk pip Dunfermline to promotion JJ insists his heart and mind is now fully focused on taking the Pars to promotion at the expense of his old club.
Jefferies told Press Sport, "We are going into the game on a high and have been playing well. It's not been the best of starts for them and they've lost a few players.
"When we play Raith Rovers in the Fife derby there is a great atmosphere and this will be the same but with just that bit more edge to it.
"I usually get a fantastic reception from Falkirk fans.
"The supporters have been great since I went back as it wasn't handled the right way when I left but that will all be put to one side and I'm trying to win for Dunfermline now.
"When Bert Paton was in charge it was between us and Dunfermline, who were favourites to get promoted.
"I remember one game there must have been 13,000 at East End Park. Dunfermline were leading before we came out in the second half and Greg Shaw got us back on even terms and it finished 1-1.
"There was a great atmosphere and it was a great advert for the First Division.
"I remember vividly the last game of the season we had to go to Clydebank to get a point and Dunfermline were playing Clyde and we had the radios on to see what was happening.
"Bert was my coach as a player at Hearts and I phoned to offer my commiserations.
"It was a close-run thing as I remember both sides were good teams. We went up as champions but now I hope it's a flip of the coin and I can get Dunfermline on top.
"Probably next to Partick this will be our toughest game as it doesn't matter how the teams are going, the nature of the rivalry makes it a good occasion and their crowd will get right behind their team and our fans will be the same."
Jefferies revealed the Pars were in discussions with Rangers for a friendly during the international weekend of 13/14th October though nothing had yet been decided.
"Ally (McCoist) and I have not agreed on anything," he said.
"We asked if they were interested and they said they'd get back to us.
"As Scotland play on the Friday night we will try and play on the Saturday or Sunday but if Rangers don't want to then we will try and arrange something else."
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