“When I was first approached to become an Associate Director back in 2014, I never imagined that one day I would be appointed chairman of East Fife Football Club - yet here we are. I am truly honoured and privileged to take on this role, and I fully appreciate the responsibility it carries. I have agreed to serve as Chairman until the next AGM in November, at which point we will take the opportunity to reassess the overall structure and direction of the club.
“With both Jim Stevenson and John Donaldson taking a well-deserved break, it now falls to the current board of directors to lead the club forward. It is a significant challenge, but one we approach with both anticipation and a healthy dose of humility.
“There is undoubtably a feel-good factor around Bayview at the moment, and it’s something we must continue to grow. It’s been heartening to see so many families at recent matches, and increasing youth involvement remains a key priority — the children are the future of East Fife Football Club.
"The support from the ‘Ultras’ has also been exceptional, and we’re eager to see that energy continue to build in the coming season.
"We’ve also been greatly encouraged by the quick uptake of season tickets this year — it's a clear sign of the growing enthusiasm and belief in the direction we’re heading. I’ve already got mine – Seat D-E-8 – and I can’t wait to be in the stands with you all for the coming season. If you haven’t secured yours yet, I urge you to do so. Every season ticket purchased is a vital show of support that helps us plan, invest, and push the club forward.
"I’ve been genuinely humbled by the many kind messages I’ve received since the announcement, and I want to assure everyone that the board and I will do everything we can to serve this club with dedication and transparency. I’ve always believed in being open and approachable, and I hope we can introduce regular open forums where fans can share their views, raise concerns, and ask questions.
"The last few years have been clouded by uncertainty and speculation around takeover bids, which understandably caused some stagnation. Now that those distractions are behind us, we can focus on a bright future — one that’s black and gold.
‘Mon the Fife.”
Liam Anderson
Chairman, East Fife Football Club
Annan Athletic 1-1 East Fife (East Fife win 4-3 on aggregate), Friday 16th May 2025, William Hill League 1 Play-Off Final 2nd Leg, Galabank
I would like to start the final report of this season with a sincere apology, due to celebrations on one end, and exams on the other, this has taken much longer to produce than planned.
A turbulent campaign for the Fifers saw Dick Campbell and his backroom staff steady the ship at the ideal time. A commanding second leg versus Edinburgh City handed us a two-legged opportunity at third tier football. We started tie well and led 3-2 after the first leg, though the general consensus was that we should have been out of sight.
That led us to the second leg in Dumfries. Annan, who looked so shaky at times in the first leg, had an ace up their sleeve which was unanticipated by many. That ace came in the form of their number 10 Tommy Goss, whose season has been plagued by injury. The target man started after missing the first leg, and scored after just seven minutes, answering a deep cross, putting the tie level on aggregate.
It should have been 2-0 to Annan just minutes later, and they were only denied by an excellent block by Mamadou Bah. That looked to be a minor turning point and gave the Fifers a lift going forward.
Ten minutes after the scare, East Fife found the equaliser. It was none other than Adam Laaref who scored getting to a spilled catch before Jamie Smith could recover. An impressive end to the season for Laaref has seen him leave his mark on this East Fife team, and its fanbase.
From there, East Fife were the team on the ascendency, firstly, Brian Easton had a shot cleared from the Annan goal line, before Andy Munro tried an audacious half volley which went awry.
At the start of the second half, East Fife went for the kill, and pressed high creating a handful of half chances, though naturally as the second half progressed, East Fife dropped deeper, fighting for the result.
With 20 minutes to go, Andy Munro made a remarkable block, denying what looked to be a stick on for the aggregate equaliser.
Chances came and went for both teams but the better of them came for Annan. With just two minutes left, Liam McFarlane made a superb save in what could have been his final appearance for the black and gold, denying Tommy Muir with his feet.
From there it did not take long for the referee to blow the final whistle, and East Fife were crowned playoff champions. League One football awaits!
Annan Athletic - J Smith, T Muir, Todd, R Muir (Carmichael 62’), Kilsby (Maxwell 79’), Dixon (Brown 62’), McGowan, P Smith, Ross, A Smith, Goss. Subs not used: Fleming, Strachan.
East Fife – McFarlane, Easton, Peggie (Murdoch 73’), Munro, Bah, Millar (Norey 80’), McManus, McKenna, Trouten (Shepherd 73’), Austin (Healy 63’), Laaref (Jones 63’). Subs not used: Fleming, Slattery, Nicol, Higginbotham.
Referee – Colin Steven
Attendance – 1,304
Report by Oli Anderson
East Fife Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Liam Anderson as our new Chairman.
A lifelong supporter of the club, Liam has a deep-rooted passion for East Fife and a wealth of experience, both professionally and within the footballing community. Born and raised in Methil, Liam attended his first match at Bayview in 1967 and has been a dedicated supporter ever since.
Liam is well-known to many around the club and his contribution to East Fife spans decades. He is a founding member of the East Fife Supporters' Society, and also a member of the East Fife Supporters’ Club. His commitment to supporting and growing community engagement was evident in 1999 when he played a key role in the establishment of the Young Fifers (now East Fife Community Football Club), serving as both Secretary and Chairman.
Liam was also heavily involved in the introduction of the artificial playing surface at Bayview Stadium. Working as part of the charity group Fifers for the Community, he played a key role in securing vital grant funding and ensuring the successful planning and delivery of the project. The installation of the new surface has allowed the stadium to become a true community hub, enabling greater access for local groups and boosting year-round use of the facilities.
Since joining the Board of Directors in 2014, Liam has taken on a number of key roles, including joint responsibility for East Fife TV and media relations, and acting as the club’s Player Liaison Director. He has previously served as co-editor of the club’s award-winning matchday programme The Bayview and continues to contribute articles.
Liam’s appointment as Chairman marks the beginning of a new chapter for East Fife. His unwavering dedication to the club, combined with his extensive experience and understanding of its culture and values, make him ideally suited to lead East Fife into the future.
Congratulations Liam!
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Annan Athletic
An emphatic encounter between East Fife and Annan Athletic on Tuesday leaves a League 1 place hanging in the balance ahead of tonight’s encounter. Andy Munro bagged a rare brace at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium in a man of the match performance which has ensured a slender lead heading into the second leg. An own goal, and set piece were the Fifers’ undoing, which has kept Annan in the tie, though just and no more.
Supporters are reminded that flares are strictly prohibited within the stadium. Security searches may be conducted prior to entry, and please be advised that Police Scotland will be in the area to assist.
A message from the SPFL:
"We understand that this is an exciting time for players, staff, and supporters alike. However, we would like to take this opportunity to remind Clubs that pitch incursions remain strictly prohibited and would be considered Unacceptable Conduct under SPFL Rules, regardless of the celebratory nature of the occasion.
“While we appreciate the passion and enthusiasm that often accompany the final fixtures of the season, unauthorised access to the field of play presents serious safety, security, and regulatory concerns for players, officials and supporters. Such actions may also result in disciplinary consequences for the Club.”
Road to the Play-Off Final
The Final
Tuesday 13th May: East Fife 3-2 Annan Athletic
Friday 16th May: Annan Athletic vs East Fife.
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife’s last six away games haven’t gone fully according to plan. Five defeats in the last six away from the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. A victory over Clyde has been long forgotten following two defeats at Edinburgh City, and one in Stirling, Peterhead and Forfar.
Our Opposition
Annan Athletic have won two and lost six of their last four home fixtures, with defeats against Alloa Athletic, Stenhousemuir, Queen of the South and Elgin City in the playoffs. Their wins have come against Kelty Hearts, and impressively against Arbroath, where they beat the League 1 champions 5-1.
Previous Encounter
East Fife 3-2 Annan Athletic
MGM Timber Bayview Stadium, Tuesday 13th May
Five goals and three red cards in what was a genuinely mesmerising encounter. Advantage East Fife heading into today.
Squad News
We have no fresh injury concerns ahead of today’s match.
Match Tickets
There will be no cash gate at the Galabank for away fans. Tickets can be purchased on Annan Athletic’s fanbase page, with prices below. (Seated/Standing)
Adult: £18/16
Concessions: £14/12
U16s: £7/6
Under 12s Free with a paying adult (1 free child per adult).
Disabled supporters pay the appropriate entry, and their carers/helpers get in for free.
Turnstiles 5 and 6 have been set aside for away supporters with digital tickets. Turnstiles will be open from 6:30pm
Parking
There is free unreserved parking around the ground, and a car park on the north side of the stadium.
Live Stream
For our international fans, live streaming for today’s game will be available on EFTV, using a Monthly, or Annual Gold Pass. Today’s commentator will be Daniel Hughes and Oli Anderson.
In the UK, Annan Athletic vs East Fife will be televised on BBC Alba, and available to stream on the BBC iPlayer.
Club Colours
The Fifers wearing the Back Onside sponsored away kit, of white and sky blue shirts with white socks and shorts. The East Fife goalkeeper will be wearing sky blue for the tie.
Annan Athletic will be in their home colours of gold shirts, black shorts and black socks. The Annan goalkeeper will be in in all orange.
Officials
The referee today will be Colin Steven, with his assistants Graham McNeillie and Scott Anderson. His fourth official will be Ryan Lee.
‘Mon The Fife!