Engineering a future

Chris Kane becomes a student and uncetainty prevails over other Pars Youth Cup finalist

Pars midfielder Chris Kane is to take up the opportunity to enrol in an Engineering course at Heriot Watt University.  Manager Jim Jefferies gave the background to the story:-

"He is not giving up football, he just wants to have something, a career to fall back on later on in life. It is a sensible move given the present situation not just at Dunfermline but in football in general. Chris has been terrific for us this year and is a different type than what we have. He is the one who protects us, gets about and breaks things up.

"We came to a compromise where he can do his course and play in the under 20s. I will fix up some part time training for him and we are aware that courses can be over for the day by one o'clock on certain days and if John Potter has a session on then he can shoot across.

"He is a naturally fit boy and you can trust that his fitness levels will be good. He is a beast in training and will be like that even when he is part time. I will still treat him as part of the first team squad. Chris knows that it will be hard to be involved because I will have full time players who could knock on my door and say 'look I am here every week'. I have explained that and Chris has said that he will be there if I need him."

Even though Chris was 20 in May, Jefferies intends his student to be a regular over age player in the under 20s.

One of his number has not returned this season despite being offered a contract. Striker Blair Henderson has been rumoured to be training with Hearts but since he is only 19 there would be financial implications should he sign for another club. Jefferies explained:-

"I don't know if Hearts are interested in signing him or not but I have made Billy Brown aware that this club offered the player a contract by a certain date. He refused that contract as is his choice but any club wanting to sign him will have to deal with the compensation package that he qualifies for Dunfermline Athletic Football Club."

Doubt over whether Blair will ever wear the Pars shirt again