Bob Garmory was unveiled as the new chairman of the interim board at Dunfermline today and has urged everyone at the club to focus on the future after months of uncertainty over the club's survival came to an end. The Pars are on track to exit administration after the fans group 'Pars United' completed their acquisition of the club from administrators BDO. Dunfermline called in the administrators in March, leading to creditors agreeing to a Company Voluntary Arrangement in July. The new owners will now "proceed towards coming out of administration" by going through the Court of Session to conclude the statutory requirements. Garmory has been appointed chairman of the interim board, which also comprises Ian Hunter, Jim Leishman, Kip McBay, Craig McWhirter and Margaret Ross.
Chairman Bob Garmony (c) Craig Brown | SportPix.Org.UKHe said: "The last few months have been a painful and frustrating time for everyone connected with Dunfermline Athletic. However, we ask that all Pars supporters and the wider west Fife community now look forward, not back, with a renewed sense of optimism and spirit. The Pars fans have already shown their resolve and support for saving the club and that now needs to continue going forward, particularly this season, to "Keep the Pars" as has been widely documented in the last week or so. We cannot lose the positive attitude, and sense of involvement and engagement among our core support. The fund-raising effort of the Pars Supporters and Patrons has been nothing short of exceptional, particularly in such tough economic times. They really have been like a "12th Man" over the last few months."Pars United has also acquired East End Park - which was also in administration under a separate company - from KPMG as part of a community ownership structure. The group did try to renounce the lease on the Pitreavie training ground with Fife Council but will continue with the lease arrangement in the short-term as they seek to find a satisfactory outcome. Dunfermline last week staved off the threat of liquidation after winning a court case relating to a dispute over the training ground with former owner Gavin Masterton.Bryan Jackson, business restructuring partner with BDO LLP, said: "I am delighted to confirm that Pars United have now completed the agreement to take control of Dunfermline Athletic FC with immediate effect. When I was appointed administrator of DAFC in late March I said it was a considerable task to save the club and, given the events of recent weeks, I wasn't wrong. But it was the devotion and loyalty of the fans, the team, the staff, management and, of course, Pars United which helped get this over the line. Given that this has been completed in just over six months, which is pretty quick for a CVA, I would like to congratulate the team at Pars United for their efforts over the last few months and wish them well for the future. I am very pleased that this historic club will live on following the successful completion of this process."
Source: ScottishFitba
Source: FOOTYMAD
