Allan Johnston named as new Dunfermline manager

DUNFERMLINE have appointed former Kilmarnock and Queen of the South boss Allan Johnston as their new manager.

Allan Johnston is unveiled as the new Dunfermline manager. Picture: SNS

The former Scotland international has signed a one-year contract with the option of an extension.

Johnston left his Rugby Park role in February soon after announcing he would be stepping down in the summer after being left frustrated by the way the board sold Robbie Muirhead to Dundee United in the final moments of the transfer window.

He spent 18 months at Kilmarnock following an impressive debut season in management at Queen of the South, who he led to a Second Division title and Challenge Cup double.

The Pars will be hoping he achieves the same success in the same division after their disappointing seventh-placed finish in League One.

John Potter stepped down as manager just before the end of the season, reverting to his role as first-team coach, after failing to improve results following the resignation of Jim Jefferies in December.

A statement from the Pars board read: “We received over 75 excellent applicants for the vacancy, but it was evident that Allan was the outstanding candidate.

“Even before interviewing Allan, the board undertook extensive research by speaking to many respected people within Scottish football and it was clear that he was very well regarded.

“From our discussions, at an early stage our ambitions closely met Allan’s and it is obvious that he has a steely determination to succeed at Dunfermline Athletic Football Club.”