DUNFERMLINE have announced that Stevie Crawford has been appointed as their new head coach.

After parting company with Allan Johnston yesterday, the former Pars icon - who arrived as a replacement for reserve team coach John Potter in the summer - has been given the job on a permanent rolling contract.

In what the club have described as a "number of changes to its football management structure", they have appointed another former player, Greg Shields, as Crawford's number two, with another coach to be added "in due course".

Jackie McNamara, who began his career with Athletic, will also be part of the new structure as his sports consultancy company, Consilium Sports, have agreed to assist the club providing ongoing technical support to the board of directors.

In a statement, chairman Ross McArthur: "Stevie Crawford has been appointed Head Coach with immediate effect.

"Stevie has many years’ experience in the game as a full time player and coach, and achieved success at the highest level.

"As a player he represented his country on 25 occasions and made over 200 appearances for our club. Stevie has been First Team Coach/Reserve Team Manager since the start of the season so his appointment also provides much needed stability and continuity through his existing knowledge of our club and players.

"Stevie has impressed everyone since coming to our club with his energy, preparation and professionalism. He is really hungry to be successful and relishes the opportunity to take our club forward.

"Greg Shields has also been appointed to the coaching staff. Like Stevie, Greg has many years’ experience in the game, also playing at the highest level. He too enjoyed many successes at East End Park, making over 200 appearances for our club.

"Greg moved with his family to the USA 9 years ago, to broaden his horizons, first as a player, and then as a highly regarded coach at Carolina developing young players and integrating them into a first team environment.

"Both Stevie and Greg have been appointed on permanent rolling contracts.

"It is our intention to appoint another coach to Stevie’s team in due course, and discussions are ongoing with a number of candidates at this stage."

He continued: "We are also delighted to announce that Jackie McNamara and his sports consultancy company, Consilium Sports, have agreed to assist the club providing ongoing technical support to the Board. This is another important and exciting step to further aid our football development.

"We hope that today’s announcement will provide a welcome boost to our loyal supporters, and we ask that all Pars fans get behind the new coaching team and players as there is still so much to play for this season.”