After training today, he held a meeting with all his staff and asked them to do their best to keep their minds on their own jobs.

“We are aware there is a huge financial debt, but the only thing I know is they are trying to find some way to resolve it,” said Jim.

“From my point of view, all I can do is get the players as much as possible to try and be professional and concentrate on the game.

“I’m not going to pretend they are not concerned because of course they are. But I think they owe it to the fans to go out and get on with the game.

“No one is unaware of what the possibilities are, but we can’t do anything about it.”

Attempting to focus on football, he revealed that Jonay Hernandez and Tom Hutchinson would both return to the squad for East End Park after injuries.

However, while midfielder Gavin Rae turned out for Scotland in Holland on Wednesday night, after hamstring trouble, he will not be risked on the new synthetic surface.

Defender Dave Mackay has pledged the players will leave the club’s financial plight to directors and bankers and concentrate on getting three points at Dunfermline.

“Of course we are aware there are problems, but right now, the players don’t know any more about the situation than what’s been in the papers,” he said.

“It’s worrying when you see these kind of stories, but we just have to get on with doing our jobs and that means playing football and trying to win.

“We’ve prepared properly and all we will be thinking about is trying to get the three points tomorrow.”

Despite the concerns they will obviously have about their futures, the playing staff this afternoon provided a spontaneous demonstration of where their hearts lie.

After the manager had addressed them and was preparing to speak to the gathered media the squad broke into a chorus of the fans’ song, “You are my Dundee”.