Dunfermline fan consortium mulls over accounts

The group, whose identities remain unknown, have commenced their examination of the Pars’ financial records as they consider firming up a club-saving offer that will see the consortium obtain a 50 per cent shareholding. The remaining 50 per cent would be taken up by other fans, with owner Gavin Masterton – who currently has a 94 per cent stake in the stricken Fife outfit – and his family severing all ties.

The 128-year-old club’s xistence has been placed under threat by a Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs winding-up order over £134,000. The Pars will have eight days to stave off the writ once a public notice is advertised, or the tax authority would then have the right to start liquidation proceedings.

Fans’ steering group member, Bob Garmory, of the club’s main sponsors Purvis, said: “The new group obviously understand that dealing with the taxman is a major part of what we’ve got to achieve, and there’s no guarantees. But we’re not talking about talking carpetbaggers here, we’re talking about serious investors.”

Dunfermline’s severe cash-flow problems mean any new investors would effectively have to come up with £750,000 almost immediately.

As well as the tax bill, the players and staff are still owed wages, while business creditors are due more than £450,000.