Sir Alex Ferguson rally call to Dunfermline fans

The former Dunfermline striker, who has just begun his retirement after stepping down from a trophy-laden 26 years as Manchester United manager, delivered a pre-recorded video address yesterday as Pars United fans’ body launched their ‘“Buy The Pars” campaign at East End Park.

Ferguson, who played in the successful Dunfermline side during the 1960s, has urged supporters to do all they can to secure the 128-year-old club’s future. The Pars United group aims to raise at least £500,000 by the end of July to lead Dunfermline out of administration.

They are already halfway towards reached that target courtesy of pledges and donations made by fans.

Ferguson said: “I’d just like to send my best wishes to Dunfermline Athletic. This is a message for the fans as the club is going through a terrible time. This is an opportunity to all stick together. The club is having  difficulties, there is no question about this.

“Dunfermline is a great club, I spent three fantastic years there during a period where the club’s history was really forged. We were in Europe all the time. Jock Stein was the manager and we had fantastic players – Alex Smith, Willie Cunningham, Bert Paton, Alec Edwards and Scottish Cup-winning captain Roy Barry.

“It was a fantastic, golden period for the club. I had great times there. I really hope the fans remember this and defend the glorious history of the club.

“I hope the fans stick together and see the club through, and the future will be better. Good luck to Dunfermline.”

The Fife club start next season in the Second Division after failing to recover from their  15-point penalty for plunging into administration in February.

The club’s financial predicament came about as a result of an unpaid £134,000 bill to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

Majority shareholder Gavin Masterton is also owed in excess of £8million and the former Bank of Scotland executive is crucial to a Company Voluntary Agreement being passed.

Dunfermline legend Leishman said: “The fans have been great and have raised loads of money. We’ve asked them again to help us out and we believe we can achieve this. We have to get the business community and everybody involved.”

Prior to announcing his retirement, Ferguson had pledged to send a team to Dunfermline for a glamour pre-season friendly and Leishman hopes an agreement can be reached with his successor David Moyes, who also played for the Pars.

Leishman added: “We’re still hopeful we can do something.”