Derek Riordan a free agent after East Fife release

Derek Riordan celebrates a winning goal for East Fife, but the former Hibernian and Celtic striker has been released by the club. Picture: George McLuskie

Riordan was brought in by the Fifers’ player/manager Gary Naysmith after a three-game trial period and helped them reach the play-offs, but he is one of six players who have been let go. The three-times capped 32-year-old started his career at Hibs before moving to Celtic Park for a two-year spell in 2006. He left Easter Road for a second time in 2011 for Chinese side Shaanxi Chanba, but he failed to settle and returned home after less than a season.

Riordan then had short playing stints with St Johnstone, Bristol Rovers, Alloa Athletic and Brechin City before joining East Fife.

Also leaving the club are Scott Smith, Caolan McAleer, David Maskrey and Daryl Falconer with Sean Dickson turning down the opportunity to discuss a new contract.

Naysmith said: “I wish all the players well in their future careers. Derek played a part in turning our season around and I am sure he enjoyed being involved on a playing basis again.”

Striker Andrew Barrowman, who had the dual role at Dunfermline of playing and coaching their under-20 side, heads a list of ten players released by the East End Park club.

The 30-year-old, who has played for 13 senior clubs, was let go by newly-appointed manager Allan Johnston along with Ross Millen, Ryan Thomson, Finn Graham, Scott Mercer, Gregor Buchanan, Jonathan Page, Declan O’Kane, Gavin McMillan and Allan Smith.

Cowdenbeath have invited interested parties to apply for the position of first-team manager that was made vacant when Jimmy Nicholl resigned, with former Albion Rovers boss James Ward among the first to put his name forward.

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