Dunfermline chairman Bob Garmory described yesterday as a “sad day” for everyone at the club, but admitted he felt the events of the last 48 hours or so had been unavoidable.
Garmory was involved in board meetings with Jefferies on Monday after the 3-1 defeat to Airdrieonians at the weekend, with the experienced manager told in no uncertain terms that the situation needed to improve.
Those discussions eventually led to Jefferies stepping down yesterday, and the Pars chairman hopes the move will benefit all parties in the long run.
“I wish in many ways it could have worked out slightly differently but it hasn’t,” he commented.
“I have to say I think Jim Jefferies has done what we all expected him to do, which is to put the best interests of the club and the team before his.
“Jim’s intention had been to step aside at the end of the year with the team at the top of the league, and pass the reins on to John (Potter) and Neil (McCann), with whom he has worked closely over the last three seasons.
“Unfortunately, recent results have not been satisfactory so Jim has decided that it is in the best interests of our club that he should step aside now.
“The board wish to place on record once again their extreme gratitude to Jim for everything that he has done for our club over the last couple of seasons.
“There is no doubt that many other managers might have walked away from our club, faced with the difficulties in front of him.
“Jim’s influence, experience, dignity and leadership were an integral part of the efforts to save our beloved club from insolvency.
“We ask all Pars fans to remember this as Jim’s legacy, and he will of course always be welcome at East End Park.”