Dunfermline Athletic

The King is dead - long live the king

Author: Brian Duncan Date: Friday, 28th May 2004

All the rumours this week have proved well founded when Jimmy Calderwood took the reins at Pittodrie today.

Despite the dis-belief by Pars fans on monday that Aberdeen wanted Jimmy Calderwood and Jimmy Nicholl for their manager (after having just sacked Steve Paterson) Calderwood was installed as Aberdeen manager today.

On Tuesday the BBC had it almost confirmed that the deal would be done within 48 hours. However, the rummour mill was in complete overdrive with figures of £400,000 compensation required before Dunfermline were to allow permission for the Aberdeen board to speak to Calderwood.

Jimmy Calderwood flew back from Spain on Thursday evening to have a meeting with the Dunfermline board. Discussions on Friday morning at East End Park to finalise the release of Calderwood meant that Aberdeen`s compensation fee was set at £100,000 (as rumoured).

I`m pretty sure that many fans would feel that this figure being ridiculously small, considering that Dunfermline paid £200,000 for the unknown Jimmy Calderwood nearly 5 years ago.

Many fans will feel let down just several days after the club reached their first Scottish Cup Final in 36 years. However, the club has had many disappointments in the past and now the time has come to look for a new manager. Numerous names are being bandied about on the message board so it will give us something to talk about for another few days. There was me thinking that we also could have a relaxing few weeks as the last 2 months have been so hectic !

Its been a fantastic season for the Pars with the credit going to the players, so hopefully the new manager can make a real impression on European football - something Jimmy Calderwood won`t be able to do next season !



Press Release – 28th May
Statement from John Yorkston, Chairman DAFC

Mr James Calderwood and Mr James Nicholl
It is with regret that we have to announce the departure of Messrs Calderwood and Nicholl. They requested that they be released from their present contracts with DAFC with immediate effect and they have now accepted alternative offers from Aberdeen Football Club.

When the DAFC Board made the decision some five years past to acquire Jimmy Calderwood’s contract it was a recognised gamble. We invested heavily behind the Manager, never once refusing his recommendation on player acquisition. The steady improvement in the Club’s playing performance had only just begun to repay the investments and we were, following our Cup Final appearance, looking forward to consolidating our playing and financial position next season within the SPL and in Europe for the first time in over 30 years.

The request from the Management arising within hours of our Cup Final appearance has both surprised and disappointed our Board and despite strenuous efforts it was obvious to us that minds had already been made up and would not be turned. We have no desire to hold onto anyone at East End Park where they have already decided that it’s time for them to move on.

The Board regret the post Cup Final turn of events but are determined to continue the success achieved last season. We will let our supporters know as soon as decisions are made on the appointment of our new head coach.



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