Jim Kerray (02.12.1935 - 06.11.2021)

The club are sad to learn of the passing of former player Jim Kerray in his 86th year

Jim Kerray middle between Alex Smith and Jackie Sinclair

A versatile and pacey forward, Jim Kerray enjoyed two separate spells with Dunfermline after initially signing from Raith Rovers in February 1960 for a fee of £3,600.

Within a few weeks Jock Stein had replaced Andy Dickson as manager and Kerray May well have impressed his new manager in his first outing as Dunfermline defeated Celtic. The first goal came as a shock to everyone as Kerray took the ball downfield from the kick off and sent a ball across to Charlie Dickson who scored in 9 seconds, which is still regarded as Dunfermline’s fastest ever goal. Despite that start and after ensuring First Division survival for the Pars, Stein decided to cash in on the 24 year-old striker, who had scored four goals in eleven appearances, when Huddersfield Town offered £6,000 for his services just before the start of the 1960/61 season.

After eighteen months, Kerray moved on to Newcastle United for season 1961-62, before Stein spent £3,000 to bring him back to East End Park in April 1963.

He marked his second Pars debut by netting in the 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock and went on to become the club`s top scorer in 1963/64 with 23 goals, though neither he nor any of his team-mates could find the net in Dunfermline`s Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Rangers.

Almost immediately after this Stein departed for Hibs and his successor, Willie Cunningham, began the task of rebuilding the Athletic`s forward line by selling Kerray to St. Johnstone for £6,250 in May 1964. In his two spells at East End Kerray scored 30 goals in 68 matches but surprised supporters were quickly reassured by the arrival of three new forwards, one of whom was a certain Alex Ferguson.

Kerray continued his career with St Johnstone before moving to Stirling Albion in 1966. He ended his playing career in 1969 after spending his last season with Falkirk.

The club’s condolences are extended to Jim’s son Mark and his family