Dunfermline sack Michael Tidser after just 11 games in charge

Dunfermline have sacked head coach Michael Tidser after just 11 league games in charge after defeat to Raith Rovers left them second-bottom of the Championship.

The Pars only appointed Tidser 60 days ago, paying compensation to Kelty Hearts after long negotiations to get their top target.

However, a run of results, ending in a 2-0 defeat in the Fife derby, gave the board a decision to make and they have terminated the head coach’s contract.

Assistant head coach Kevin McDonald, along with John McLaughlan and first team player David Wotherspoon will take training in the interim period.

Chairman and CEO David Cook said: “Clearly this has been a difficult spell for the club and our supporters. We wish Michael all the best and thank him for his efforts while head coach.

“We are now working on making an appointment to help us maintain our league status.”

Tidser was appointed on January 17, with Dunfermline saying they had been impressed by his success in taking Kelty Hearts to their highest-ever league position, and with the “attractive playing style” he implemented.

He began his reign with a 3-0 home victory over Stenhousemuir in the Challenge Cup but lost his first Championship game away to Airdrie.

A home league win over Raith lifted the team but there was then a six-match wait for another victory when Dunfermline were 2-1 winners over Morton on March 1.

Back-to-back away defeats against Falkirk and Tidser saw fan unrest grow and Dunfermline are now looking for a new manager as they look to ease relegation worries.