We could have worked a way to play out season, believes East Fife defender Craig Watson

East Fife had their campaign ended recently when a majority of clubs decided to finish the Scottish lower leagues.

It meant East Fife finished fifth in League One but within touching distance of those above them.

Watson reckons the Methil men would have muscled their way back into the top four had they been allowed to close out the season.

He said: “I would have liked to have seen it played out in the pre-season time for next season and had some sort of contract extensions put in.

“In a unique situation we’re in so you’d need unique things to happen and, perhaps, there could have been an extension period of contracts and maybe ditch the league cup.

“But, it’s all ifs and buts and the decision has been made, so you just have to look to the future now and look forward to the next season - whenever that is.”

East Fife had only just slipped out of the top four in the weeks before the end of play.

They had been due to meet Montrose, who sat a place above them, the Saturday the enforced lay-off came into place.

The Bayview defender says it’s frustrating they never got to win their place back.

“Granted we weren’t in it (play-off spot) as it stood, but I think that’s probably the first week in the whole season we weren’t in it.

“That’s the most frustrating thing; we had been there and jumping between the second, third and fourth spot.

“We never got the chance to make the play offs but, first and foremost, players and fans’ health and safety have got to come first.”

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