Jim McIntyre has backed Dunfermline's decision to close one side of East End Park as a cost-cutting measure. The realities of operating in the current financial climate forced the Pars board to consider all their options in their first year back in the SPL. They announced this week they were closing the North Stand - the enclosure across from the main stand - in order to make annual savings on police and stewarding costs of £20,000. Chairman John Yorkston hopes the stand can return to action should attendances increase but he also warned of further money-saving exercises to come. The stand is the home for the most vociferous section of fans, but the Pars manager is confident the atmosphere will not be adversely affected. McIntyre said: "I think it's absolutely the right decision. For the amount of people that sit in there, I think it's madness to have that open for the amount it costs the club. The fans will make noise wherever they sit. I know there is a lot of tradition of people sitting there for a long time but they have got to think of the bigger picture, which is the club going forward with the way finances are. I think, if they are true fans, they will understand the situation that every club is facing in Scottish football. It's hard, hard work trying to get money through the door and you have got to look to cut costs whichever way you can." Dunfermline will also have to cope with the news on the injury front ahead of the game at St Mirren Park. Several players have been added to McIntyre's injury list although Andy Barrowman returns after recovering from surgery to remove his appendix. McIntyre said: "Martin Hardie will be struggling for this weekend because he hurt his knee in training. Craig Easton's calf strain is still there. Andy Dowie is struggling, he felt his calf at Easter Road and has not recovered, so he is a major doubt as well. Barrowman is back and that bolsters the attacking options."
Source: FOOTYMAD
