Dunfermline have given embattled boss Peter Grant a vote of confidence — before slamming the ‘unacceptable conduct’ of a small portion of the club’s fanbase.
The Pars released a statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming that Grant would remain in the hot-seat despite their dire start to the season.
The Fifers are rock-bottom of the Championship, four points from safety and have scored four league goals all campaign.
But following ‘a long chat with Peter on Sunday’ it was decided that he would continue in the role.
Sporting director and part-owner Thomas Meggle stated ‘it is important to keep a sense of perspective at all times’ but added pointedly ‘[Grant] understands results have to change, and quickly.’
“I see how much the team is fighting for the club,” continued Meggle. “Peter and the coaching team are working tirelessly to turn things around.
“I believe that we can only overcome this situation by sticking together.
“Clearly, when you are not winning games confidence is affected, but positive encouragement rather than criticism is what we need from the stands.
“It is always easy to find someone to blame. In football, it’s usually the coach.
“But after my analysis, I believe we need time for the measures to take effect. Peter has proven in the past that he can handle such a difficult situation and continuity in a football club is an important asset.”
Meggle added: “Covid interruptions, bad luck with injuries and issues out-with the manager’s control are not excuses, they are valid reasons.”
Unacceptable
Grant was subjected to a barrage of abuse as he made his way down the makeshift tunnel at Palmerston Park on Saturday, with stewards forced to hold back seething supporters.
The statement concluded: “The board would like to state that the behaviour of a handful of supporters at the end of Saturday’s match was completely unacceptable.
Dunfermline fans vent their fury as Peter Grant heads down the makeshift tunnel pic.twitter.com/1pXON7gX9m
— Alan Temple (@alanftemple) October 2, 2021
“We can accept everyone is frustrated and disappointed, or indeed angered by not winning matches, but there can be no excuse for that type of behaviour.
“In addition, the original members of the DAFC Board are made up of supporters themselves who have acted on a voluntary basis for the last eight years.
“In recent weeks the level of abuse directed to them has also become totally unacceptable.
“However, the events of the last few weeks have certainly not made for a positive portrayal of our club to our new investors and potential new sponsors.”
Dunfermline host Kilmarnock on October 16 as Grant seeks to kick-start their ailing campaign.
