Christian Nade has left East Fife after it transpired the striker had not become a free agent when he left Thai side PTT Rayong at the end of last season.

Nade had agreed a contract at New Bayview in October, with the deal subject to international clearance.

The SPFL League 1 club had been patient in awaiting confirmation of the move and also supported the French forward after he underwent knee surgery in the summer.

However, they had little idea that it would all be for nothing. "When we tried to process his signing, it came back that he was not a free agent," said chairman Lee Murray. "It'd be frustrating if he was better but I never thought he was that great."