Bryan Jackson, the administrator in charge at Dunfermline Athletic, last night informed half of the Fife club's first-team squad that they were being made redundant and warned those who remain that they will receive none of their salaries for March.
The insolvency expert, of accountancy firm PKF, admitted the club's immediate future hangs in the balance and is entirely reliant on the efforts of supporters and unnamed "benefactors". Andy Dowie, Andrew Barrowman, Andy Kirk, Jordan McMillan, Joe Cardle, Paul Gallacher and Stephen Jordan were all cut loose by Jackson as he works to help the club survive. Paddy Boyle and Paul Willis, players on loan at Gateshead and East Fife respectively, are also expected to leave.
Under-20 players Jack Bruce and Steven Mayne, members of the side which has reached the final of the Scottish Youth Cup this term, have also left the club.
"Unfortunately it is the worst situation I have seen," said Jackson. "I have had promises from benefactors and, although I have no authority to tell you who they may be, I have no reason to believe that money won't come. I am dependent on it. It's going to be very, very tight to keep the club going."
Those players who remain at East End Park have been given no assurances regarding wages and have been told not to expect backdated monies to be paid. "Wages will not be paid at the moment," said Jackson. "I can't do anything about the wages due at the moment because there are no funds."
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