During season 2012–13 Dunfermline Athletic finished ninth[4] in the Scottish First Division, following a points deduction,[5] entering the play-offs losing 3–1 to Alloa Athletic on aggregate in the final and were relegated to the Scottish Second Division.

[9] The club failed to pay the players October wages on time[10] and in November 2012, reports arose that there were unpaid tax bills due to HM Revenue and Customs.

[11] Chairman John Yorkston was adamant that any outstanding debt could be cleared,[12] however further issues arose over the coming months as it was reported in December,[13] January[14] and February[15] that players were paid late, and reduced wages,[16] prompting to squad to lodge an official complaint with the SFL.

[23] Bryan Jackson, who was appointed to oversee the administration proceedings, announced on 28 March that eight players including Captain Jordan McMillan were to be made redundant, however manager Jefferies stayed, on the condition of his salary would be reduced.

[33] On 11 April 2013, the club applied for and were granted full administration at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.