We’re delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Allan Fleming on a 1-year deal.
The 38-year-old started his senior career at Cowdenbeath in 2003, turning out 13 times for the Blue Brazil before making the move to Kelty Hearts in 2005. After 9 years at New Central Park, Allan made the move to Bayview in the summer of 2014, making 36 appearances for the club as we finished in 4th position in League Two before losing to Stenhousemuir in the play-offs.
Next up was a move to Arbroath for season 2015/16 before joining Montrose the following season where he helped guide them to the League Two title in 2017/18 by keeping 18 clean sheets. Allan left Montrose early this month after 6 seasons and 157 appearances.
Manager Stevie Crawford commented: “We are really happy to add Allan to our squad for the season ahead. He is an experienced goalkeeper and has previously won the League Two title with Montrose. Allan will come in and add healthy competition with Jude Smith and Scott Gallacher for the goalkeeper jersey in our starting 11 as well as helping to develop Jude as a player both on and off the pitch. Unfortunately, Scott is still waiting on an operation to the finger he injured during the warm-up against Peterhead back in January, so I’d like to thank the Chairman and the board for allowing us to bring Allan in.”
Allan will join up with the squad when they return to training next month.
Welcome back to Bayview Allan
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We’re delighted to announce that we have agreed terms with striker Scott Shepherd to join the club on a 1-year deal.
25-year-old Scott started his career at Falkirk, making his debut as a 17-year-old in August 2013 when he came off the bench to score the winner for the Bairns in a 2-1 Challenge Cup win against Ayr United at Somerset Park. Scott made 64 appearances for Falkirk over 5 seasons at the club. His time at Falkirk also included loan spells at Stirling Albion, Brechin City and Edinburgh City before making the move permanently to the Edinburgh side for the start of the 2018/19 season. Scott scored 23 goals in 98 appearances for The Citizens before signing for Forfar Athletic where he’s spent the past two seasons.
Manager Stevie Crawford commented: “I’m delighted to bring Scotty to the Club. I first worked with him when he was 15 at Falkirk and have kept an eye on his progress since then. He’s at a good age, 25 (26 at the end of this month) with the best years ahead of him. He’s quick, and already has good experience in both league 1 & 2 which will help us with the challenges we will face this season.”
Scott added: “I worked with Stevie Crawford at Falkirk when I became full-time and have kept in touch with him over the years. I know what a great coach he is, and I think he will bring out the best in me. I am delighted to come on board at East Fife and can’t wait to get started.”
Scott will join up with the squad when they return for pre-season in June.
Welcome to Bayview Scott.
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After a career spanning 561 senior appearances over 20 years, Chris Higgins has announced his retirement from football.
A product of the Motherwell youth system, Higgins signed for Clyde in June 2005, immediately establishing himself in the Bully Wee defence. It would turn out to be an eventful first season for the 20-year-old with Clyde knocking Celtic out of the Scottish Cup following a famous 2-1 win at Broadwood Stadium, on an afternoon when Roy Keane made his debut in the hoops.
The following season the Cumbernauld men reached the final of the Challenge Cup and were unfortunate to lose the final against Ross County at McDiarmid Park on penalty kicks.
Higgins spent four years at Broadwood before signing for Dunfermline Athletic in 2009. The Pars finished theirs in the First Division, followed by a title win in 2010-11 which ear ned them a place in the Premier League under Jim McIntyre.
Higgins put pen to paper for Queen of the South in the summer, with Gus McPherson’s men suffering relegation in his first league campaign but bouncing back the following season by winning the Second Division championship, with Allan Johnston now in charge. Higgins also played an instrumental part in the Doonhamers’ Challenge Cup success beating Partick Thistle in the final on penalty kicks at Livingston.
The Dumfries side competed will in the newly named Championship, reaching the Premiership play-offs in the next two seasons. After six years at Palmerston and having made more than 200 appearances, Higgins was on the road again, signing for Ian McCall’s Ayr United in May 2017.
A third career league championship medal was earned in Higgins’ first season, but the following campaign saw his appearances restricted owing to injury., leading to his move to East Fife, initially on loan, in February last year.
In 3 and a half seasons at Bayview, Higgins pulled on the black and gold 106 times and also captained the side on a number of occasions.
“Everyone at East Fife Football Club would like to offer Higgy out best wishes on his retirement. He has been the consummate professional during his time here at Bayview and we thank him for his efforts over the last 3 and a half years.” Jim Stevenson, East Fife Chairman
“I know from several conversations I had with Chris in the short time we worked together that he really enjoyed his time at East Fife but it was a deciaion that he felt was right for him and his family. I’m sure everyone at the club would like to wish him all the best for the future and also make sure he’s welcomed back to Bayview anytime to lend his support. Good luck Higgy and thanks again.” Stevie Crawford, East Fife Manager.
Career Appearances
Clyde (2005-2009): 159
Dunfermline Athletic (2009-2011): 43
Queen of the South (2011-2017): 222
Ayr United (2017-2019): 31
East Fife (2009-2022): 106