Manager's Update

31/05/12: JJ - "It is a juggling act at the moment just having a chat and letting players know where we stand."

Dunfermline Manager Jim Jefferies said today that his days are consumed with appointments and meetings. He is doing a lot of talking in trying to assemble a team that will be fit to challenge for promotion back into the SPL.

"It is a juggling act at the moment just having a chat and letting players know where we stand."

This week he has spoken to the in contract players and out of contract Mark Kerr. Two players - Jordan McMillan and Andy Dowie - were still on holiday. Andy is out of contract but the Manager has indicated that he would like to keep him at East End Park so they will meet up next week.

"Mark Kerr is another that I'd like to keep, he is prepared to listen but he needs to wait and see what his options are. I am not really in a position to make him an offer until we see what is accepted elsewhere. Other players out of contract that I want to keep."

Gary Mason and Liam Buchanan are two such players but they are awaiting the boss' offer. Pat Clarke appears to have accepted an offer from Raith Rovers while not all the under contract players remain high in the Manager's plans and he has warned them that they might not get regular games:-

"Certain players won't be in my plans. If they want to move on and play regularly then I'll give them that opportunity but if they don't I won't treat them any differently. You've got to be honest with them."

Two players who are certainly in Jim Jefferies' plans are two 21 year olds who played last season in Division Two. East Fife's Ryan Wallace and Arbroath's Josh Falkingham - both 21 year old - have agreed terms but due to their age can't officially sign until compensation is agreed with their clubs. Compensation has to be paid because the players are under the age of 23.

"They fit the remit of the younger players we're looking to bring in. The Chairman and Jim Leishman are talking to the respective people at the clubs to do a deal. They are young and their clubs don't want to stand in their way because they will be getting the chance to move into full-time football. They are out of contract so there are compensation issues which we are trying to resolve so we are hopeful of getting it done."

Striker Ryan Wallace scored 27 goals last season and joined the Methil club from Airdrie United but prior to that had been at Hearts where he had made appearances in the SPL as sub against Rangers and at home to Hamilton.

Arbroath playmaker Josh Falkingham has been integral to the success at Gayfield over the last two seasons and was popular with the fans for his silky passing and gritty determined style. He spent 11 years at Leeds United before being released two years ago. After a short spell at St Johnstone the midfielder joined ex Saint, Paul Sheerin at Arbroath where he won the Scottish Third Division Player of the Year in his first season. Falkingham played 67 times for the Lichties, netting 17 times.