Swimming with Sharks

Jim Jefferies' visit to Deep Sea World on Thursday took him to new depths in his pre season preparations.

Although he was thrilled and totally enjoyed the event the manager was relieved that the sharks spared his goalkeeper and physio as they took a swim in the tank at the famous local visitor attraction. He remarked:-

"It totally confirms what they say about goalkeeper's being mad, and you can add physios to that as well. You hear about these things but it is terrific to come down and see all that's involved. It is a tremendous attraction for visitors and its great that we have an association with them. It is a great tie up, they sponsor the club and every penny is vital to us."

The idea of swimming with the sharks came after the acceptance of Deep Sea World's offer to sponsor the football club season ticket application forms. The club went to new depths and used the swim to well and truly 'launch' their new away strip. Allan Berturelli of Deep Sea World expanded:-

"We entered into a partnership in which Dunfermline Athletic supporters can receive money off admission with their season ticket. One of the things we really wanted to do was get some of the players in and do a dive with our sharks. It is something a bit unique. It is brilliant to be involved with Dunfermline and hopefully this is the first of many."

After monitoring every minute of the swim with his keeper and physio, Jim Jefferies was happy to sanction 'feeding' more of his players to the sharks:-

"The backing from Deep Sea World is appreciated and season ticket holders will be given a discount on their admission. We will try to support businesses in the area because everyone has to pull together."

Viewing through the glass the sharks and his goalkeeper looked a third of their size. It was all good fun but the club was happy to come together with the local community and business.

"All the local businesses have been approached to try and support the football club but we are not just going to take their money, we need to give them something back. There will be a lot of initiatives going on that the players and staff will try and support.

"We will repay that by giving them a bit of publicity due to football being in the spotlight most of the time. The club will do everything we can to help local business who in turn are helping us."

Ryan Goodfellow admitted that he had been apprehensive before entering the water but speaking afterwards said that he had thoroughly enjoyed the experience:-

"Once I was in I absolutely loved it. It didn't scare me at all. The sharks are definitely big when you are in there but I would do it again tomorrow. I had never done this sort of diving before!"

Physio Kenny Murray claimed that the experience was phenomenal:-

"It was a fantastic experience, an experience of a lifetime. You have to do something like that when you get the opportunity. I have dived before but I wasn't swimming about with sharks the last time.

"When you see them up front they are quite intimidating. They were big but friendly and quite happily let you stroke them."