OUTGOING boss Jim Jefferies has paid tribute to the club’s “fantastic” supporters and urged them to get behind new boss John Potter this weekend.

News of Jefferies’ exit was met with a mixed reception from the club’s fanbase but despite differing opinions on the way forward on the pitch, supporters on social media have united to express their gratitude to him for steering the club through the stormy waters of administration last year.

That feeling of respect is mutual and in his final interview with Press Sport before he left Pitreavie for the last time on Tuesday, he commented that he had “nothing but admiration” for a support who rallied to save their club from oblivion.

He said, “I would just like to say thanks to the fans because I think they appreciate the tough times we went through. I remember being at the Alhambra one night and a boy came up to me and said if you stay, I’ll make up what they’re short of, which I think may have been money to fund the stadium. I said to him don’t do it because of me, do it because of the club but he was adamant. I hadn’t made my mind up at the time whether I’d stay on but what it did do was show what people were willing to do to keep Dunfermline alive and I didn’t want to let them down. People like that deserve a good football club.

“The fans have been terrific to me. Alright, you’re going to get criticised because people get frustrated. There is a different mentality this year and people expect their club to win, which I’ve no complaints about. But I’ve always had a great reception and I’m sure whenever I come back they’ll understand I’ve always been honest with them. There’s a lot of good people at this club who have made it enjoyable.” After addressing his stunned squad on Tuesday morning, Jefferies continued, “They’re so enthusiastic and want to do well. Very few players have played any length of time in the Championship; the likes of Josh (Falkingham) and Geggs (Andy Geggan) weren’t there long before administration and the 15 points killed them. It’s hard to keep people’s heads up when they’re only getting 10 or 15 per cent of their wages and were let down on promises made to them. Some of these boys deserve a lot of credit.

“But I think a lot of those players are coming on great and you look at Lewis Martin, Ryan Williamson and Lewis Spence who are maturing all the time. There are one or two who, if they keep progressing, could make the club a bit of money. I’ve been a manager for a long time and those lads can play at a high level and I hope the club get what they’re worth.

“We’ve played some fantastic football and I believe that those players are good enough to win the title.” For full reaction to Jefferies' departure - including further interviews with the former Pars boss, his successor John Potter, skipper Andy Geggan and much more, pick up your copy of today's Dunfermline Press.