Long-serving Smith joins East Fife exodus

East Fife legend Kevin Smith will be among eight players to depart the Fifers at the end of the season as manager Stevie Crawford begins to rebuild his squad for next season.

Aaron Dunsmore, Ross Davidson, Ross Dunlop, Danny Swanson, Sean Brown, Jamie Semple, Daniel Higgins and Ryan Blair are all set to join Smith in departing Bayview at the end of their contracts after the Fifers were relegated to League Two.

Smith, who has been awarded a testimonial by the Fifers for his eightyear service, was part of the side that won the League Two title in 2016 and racked up more than 200 appearances during his spell in Methil, scoring 45 goals.

Taking to social media, Smith, 35, said: “The time has come for me to move on from East Fife.

“A special mention to the supporters who were amazing from day one and have given me memories that will last a lifetime.

“I look forward to seeing a few familiar faces at the testimonial events later in the year.”

Defender Aaron Dunsmore will join up with ex-Fifers boss Darren Young after signing for Stirling Albion, while midfielder Ross Davidson could be set to follow him to the Binos.

Ex-Hibs midfielder Swanson endured an injury-hit campaign last season after sustaining a serious knee injury during pre-season, while striker Brown spent the second half of this season on loan at Lowland League Champions Bonnyrigg Rose.

Higgins has penned a deal with fellow League Two side Stenhousemuir with Dunlop, Semple and former Swansea midfielder Blair also moving on.

Loanees Darren Watson (Dundee United), Kyle Connell (Kilmarnock), Leo Watson and Finlay Pollock (Hearts) will all return to their parent clubs.