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Squad Update - Summer 2025

Following a period of reflection after their recent family bereavement, the management team are now in a position to provide a squad update as preparations begin for the 2025/26 campaign.

First and foremost, the club would like to thank all players moving on this summer for their contributions both on and off the pitch during their time at Bayview.

Departing Players

Stewart Murdoch

Club captain Stewart Murdoch departs having made 201 appearances in black and gold, scoring six goals during two spells with the club. Stewart first joined East Fife in 2010 and returned in 2019, going on to serve the club with the upmost professionalism both on and off the park.

Allan Fleming

Goalkeeper Allan Fleming leaves the club having featured 128 times, recording 30 clean sheets. Allan first signed in 2014 and returned in 2022, playing a key role in the team over the years.

Scott Shepherd

Scott Shepherd exits after making 130 appearances and netting 18 goals since his arrival in 2022. A hard-working forward, Scott gave his all in every outing and was a consistent performer throughout his time at the club.

Charlie Murray

Young defender Charlie Murray moves on after making two senior appearances, having been promoted from the Under 20s in 2023. Charlie spent last season on loan at Crossgate Primrose.

Kallum Higginbotham

Kallum joined in January 2025 and made 17 appearances during his time at Bayview. His experience and composure on the ball made him a strong asset during the second half of the season.

Loan Return

Liam McFarlane

Goalkeeper Liam McFarlane has returned to Heart of Midlothian following the end of his loan spell. Liam made 37 appearances and kept 13 clean sheets during a standout season that saw him named in the PFA League 2 Team of the Year. We thank Liam and Hearts for their support.

Looking Ahead

We can confirm that Andy Munro and Michael McKenna remain under contract for the 2025/26 season.

Discussions remain ongoing with all other members of the squad, and further updates will be provided in due course. These talks are now progressing rapidly, as our involvement in the play-offs — along with the recent board reorganisation following the Club AGM — has effectively shortened our close season by two weeks.

We once again extend our sincere thanks to those departing for their contributions and commitment to East Fife.

Finally, thank you, as always, to our supporters for your patience and continued backing during this period. Preparations for the new season are well underway, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Bayview soon.

Message From The Chairman

“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

Match Report - Annan Athletic (A)

Annan Athletic 1-1 East Fife (East Fife win 4-3 on aggregate), Friday 16^th May 2025, William Hill League 1 Play-Off Final 2^nd 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