THE chairman of Cowdenbeath's nearest rivals has said he hopes they can "turn things around" in their battle for survival.

Dunfermline Athletic's Ross McArthur said he wished the Blue Brazil well after the club's future was thrust into the spotlight by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker.

Ms Baker, who was born in Kelty and went to school in Cowdenbeath, addressed the Scottish Parliament earlier this month in recognition of the 'Club 135' campaign, which aims to raise £135,000 to help give Cowden a solid financial base to build on.

The club, which is bottom of League 2 and fighting to avoid a play-off to preserve their SPFL status, no longer own Central Park and have lost their ability to receive rent from the weekly market and stock car racing, which has hit its coffers.

The Pars, who faced the trauma of administration due to severe financial problems in 2013, previously supported former Blues skipper Dean Brett following the passing of his partner, Gemma, and their daughter Mollie.

A Fife Cup tie between the clubs three years ago saw an agreement to split proceeds from game between the Fife Football Association and the Mia Brett Fund – set up to support Dean and daughter Mia – and generated a substantial four-figure sum.

McArthur said: "Of course we wish them all well.

"They're operating in a difficult environment in that they don't own their ground and receive no income from the stock cars, so it is hard.

"Three years ago, they were in the Championship but, once you are on a downward spiral, it can be difficult.

"I hope they can turn things around. They are the nearest club to us (geographically) so I don't want them to find themselves in hardship."

Speaking at Holyrood, Ms Baker commented: "Having been born in Kelty and gone to school in Cowdenbeath, I know just how important the Blue Brazil is to the local area.

"The club deserves a huge amount of credit for the work of its Club 135 campaign, honour the past, ensure the future.

"Football is Scotland's national game and we must do all that we can to ensure that the town still has a club in the long-term. Even fans of other Fife teams should consider getting involved, as football thrives on passion and rivalry.

"Scottish football is more than just Celtic and Rangers. It is just as much about Cowdenbeath, East Fife, Dunfermline and Raith Rovers, their histories and their fans.

"I welcome the Government's commitment that they will work with the club and I hope we can see a solution that allows Cowdenbeath FC to once again go flying up the table."