Zak Rudden wanted more game time and so the Edinburgh-born striker has left Livingston to join Neil Lennon at Championshp side Dunfermline after a face-to-face chat with Lions boss David Martindale.
The Pars have paid an undisclosed fee for the 25-year-old who has featured five times for the West Lothian club this season, scoring one goal.
That came in a Premier Sports Cup win over Brora Rangers last month.
Martindale admitted: “In all honesty, it came as a bit of a surprise and neither myself or Zak had any knowledge of Dunfermline’s interest until I had a phone call from them.
“I spoke with Zak and we had a very good conversation face-to-face. I explained this wasn’t part of our plans, but that I would understand if he wanted to be a regular No 9, week-in week-out, as his playing time has been limited so far this season.”
Martindale said that to be fair to Zak, he wasn’t looking to leave the club but added: “When we both talked it over, it was obvious that this would be a very good move for him from a footballing point of view.
“We would receive a nominal transfer fee, which always helps in any move and it felt like a good deal for all parties.”
Rudden has previously been on the books for clubs including Rangers, Dundee, Partick Thistle, St Johnstone and Queen’s Park, making 238 appearances and scoring 66 goals.
The player has also represented Scotland at four different youth levels through to the under-21 side and Martindale added: “Zak leaves with nothing but our best wishes and, in the short period I’ve worked with him, I can honestly say I enjoyed my time coaching him and having him here.
“It (the move) really came out of the blue but I feel we are well covered at the top end of the park and I was happy to shake Zak’s hand and wish him all the best.”
GOALMOUTH ACTION: Zak Rudden scored against Brora Rangers for Livingston now he has moved to Dunfermline. Picture Nigel Duncan
