Leishman handed Pars reins

Jim Leishman has been given the daunting task of trying to keep Dunfermline in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Davie Hay parted company with the club yesterday just hours after he was given the dreaded vote of confidence and now charismatic director of football Leishman has been appointed caretaker-manager for the remaining three matches of the campaign.

Pars chairman John Yorkston said: “We have made a decision now and Jim Leishman has been asked to take charge for the remaining three games of the season.

“We feel that all we are missing is some extra spark and I am certain that Jim will bring that to the players.

“I would hope that Jim and Davie are still friends and that’s why I didn’t want to ask him yesterday to give him a wee bit of time to get over the fact that Davie had gone.”

The former Livingston boss will now have to raise spirits before their final games with Dundee, Dundee United and Kilmarnock as they attempt to claw back the three-point gap.