JIM'S TO HELP IN SEARCH FOR BOSS

JIM LEISHMAN has been told to draw up the shortlist from which Dunfermline will choose his successor after his resignation as manager of the East End Park club.

The Pars boss quit his post yesterday to become director of football and immediately started the hunt for his successor.

Club chairman John Yorkston has denied reports that Craig Levein, a likely target for Dundee United if Craig Brewster is axed, has already turned the job down.

Talks have taken place between the Raith boss and Leishman, but no offer was tabled and it's believed the former Hearts boss is reluctant to rush in at this stage.

The Pars are also keen on John Robertson, but the £50,000 compensation that would be demanded by Livingston is a problem.

Yorkston said: "I've asked Jim to draw up a short list of candidates but anyone looking for £1million a year is wasting his time applying.

"Jim will speak to a number of people over the next few days and we hope to make an appointment next week. But it's vital we get the right man rather than just fill a vacancy.

"Suggestions that Craig Levein would be appointed today were nonsense and it's absolute rubbish to state he met with Gavin Masterton on Thursday night.

"I'm not aware Craig has turned the job down - how can you turn down something that hasn't been offered?

"Likewise, he has not made contact to me to say he isn't interested in the post."

Yorkston, on holiday in the Mediterranean, claims he was unaware of Leishman's decision to quit until yesterday morning.

He said: "It didn't come as a surprise because I've known Jim many years and he has been hurting recently. Monday night's defeat to Hibs was the final straw.

"He did a hero's job keeping us in the SPL two years ago and we finished ninth equal and got to the CIS Cup Final last season.

"He also had less money to spend than his predecessors and whoever replaces him will have to work with the same budget as Jim had."

Taken from the Daily Record