Falkirk sign Jefferies for a further four years

IAN BROADLEY

19 Dec 1992

ON a week in which loyalty was totally disregarded with the removal of Alex Totten from his post as manager at St Johnstone, Falkirk yesterday emphasised that that very quality still prevails in the Scottish game.

Even though the Brockville club languish behind the Perth side in the league, their directors demonstrated commendable faith in their management team of Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown by awarding new, improved four-year contracts to both.

Jefferies revealed that the offer had been on the table since last May but had been put on the back burner because of on-going boardroom divisions.

He said: "I believe what happened to Alex Totten was wrong and it is nice that the directors recognise that we are giving 100% effort.

While results have not gone our way, performances over the last eight weeks have been satisfactory, considering our resources."

Falkirk travel to Dens Park today where Paul Ritchie and Andy Kiwomya have been added to the squad.

The dilemma facing Dundee manager Simon Stainrod is whether to remain in the dug-out or play and inspire his troops once again.

Dundee have given 7000 tickets away to local schools to ensure a healthy attendance.

Supporters of St Johnstone, disillusioned at Totten's dismissal, are threatening a boycott.

But this gesture, typically, found no favour with the man himself.

Totten said: "I would not like that to happen because players need all the support they can get.

This has nothing to do with the fans, although my heart goes out to them.

The better the atmosphere, the more likely the players are to respond.

"I would like the fans to go to games and get behind the team, regardless of who is managing St Johnstone."

John McClelland begins his trial period in the McDiarmid Park job today against his former club, Rangers, at Ibrox but the coach is unlikely to figure in a playing capacity through injury.

He is aware of the undercurrents of dissent but has appointed his former Watford colleague, Steve Harrison, to his backroom staff.

"It is of no concern that supporters do not get behind me so long as they back the team, he said.

"I am on trial but I have been every day of my working life."

Saints, with Ukrainian Sergei Baltacha free from suspension, will revert to a five-man defence against Rangers, who are certain to have both captain Richard Gough and Trevor Steven back in the ranks.

Manager Walter Smith now has the strongest squad at his disposal and, with Europe not uppermost in his thoughts, can concentrate on consolidating their lead in the premier division.

A prolonged run by both Gough and Stevens is central to that aim.

Of the four main contenders, only Hearts have failed to improve on last season's statistics at the half-way stage in the league campaign.

Celtic, one point better off, realise their record on the road -- they are unbeaten in more than a year -- will be severely tested at Tynecastle.

Manager Liam Brady, though, has Tony Mowbray and Mike Galloway back to reinforce his fragile defence.

He said: "Even though Hearts have gone through a bad run lately, this will be a difficult game for us.

"The three-match run over the Christmas period is vital in terms of the championship.

"Rangers now are five points better off than a year ago and they have put pressure on ourselves, Hearts, and Aberdeen.

We know we cannot afford to make any mistakes."

Hearts have awarded an

18-month contract to Adrian Boothroyd, freed by manager Joe Jordan's former club, Bristol Rovers.

While Boothroyd expressed delight at having been given a second chance to ressurect his career, he is likely to be curtailed to a substitute's role.

Willie Miller has effected a dramatic revival at Pittodrie and his team, four points better placed than last term, has emerged as the main, and most serious, threat to Rangers.

For that, Miller attributes the contribution of the fringe players, who have been pressed into action in a season disrupted by injury.

He will look to Paul Mason to continue his sequence of three goals in his past five appearances against Hibs at Pittodrie.

The Edinburgh side have striker Keith Wright available after injury but Mickey Weir, Pat McGinlay and Gordon Hunter are still absent.

Motherwell's problems are equally severe with four players facing fitness tests before the visit of Dundee United, who draft John Clark and Alex Cleland into their squad.

Partick Thistle manager John Lambie threatens changes at Firhill against Airdrie to halt a five-match losing run.

Taken from the Herald