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McIntyre has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Pars

Dunfermline have appointed Jim McIntyre as their new manager.

McIntyre, who has been caretaker boss at East End Park since Stephen Kenny left the Pars on 4 December, has signed a two-and-a-half year deal.

The Pars have climbed to fourth in the table after McIntyre steered them to their fourth straight win, with the 2-0 victory over Livingston on Wednesday.

Club chairman John Yorkston said: ?Jim has the necessary drive and commitment to guide the club back to the SPL."

In a statement from the club, McIntyre said he was "extremely honoured to have a club such as Dunfermline Athletic as his first managerial appointment" and was "entirely focused on achieving success including a return to the SPL as soon as possible."

Yorkston added: "Under Jim's stewardship the Club has moved from second bottom place in the First Division to fourth and he has enjoyed a number of years playing at the highest level and his professionalism has already had an impact on the current squad who have rediscovered their competitiveness and their will to win matches.

"In addition to being first team manager, he will also continue in his capacity as an important player for the club."

McIntyre added that he would announce his backroom staff within the next few days and look to the January transfer window to make any adjustments to the playing squad.

Terry Butcher, John Robertson and former Pars player Ian Ferguson were also interviewed for the vacancy.

Speaking last month, McIntyre said he was thoroughly enjoying coaching the side, adding that he saw the manager's job as the "natural progression" in his career.

Dunfermline were relegated from the Scottish Premier League last season.

Kenny was sacked after a disappointing 15 months in charge and left the Pars second from bottom in the First Division.

The Irishman has since been re-appointed manager of former club Derry City.