Image source: bbc.com
Veteran midfielder Scott Arfield has joined Livingston on a short-term contract until the summer after being released by Scottish Premiership rivals Falkirk, where the 37-year-old Canada international struggled to secure regular first-team football despite helping the club win promotion last season.
Scott Arfield Completes Move to Hometown Club Livingston After Falkirk Exit
The former Burnley and Rangers midfielder, who earned 30 caps for Canada, has signed with his hometown club after requesting his release from Falkirk last month. Arfield had returned to Falkirk in February following his departure from Bolton Wanderers, rejoining the club where he began his professional career before helping John McGlynn’s side secure the Championship title and promotion to the top flight.
Despite contributing to Falkirk’s successful campaign, Arfield found himself struggling for regular starting opportunities upon the club’s return to the Premiership. The experienced midfielder made only four league starts this season, though he managed four goals in 20 appearances overall and began the campaign by scoring twice in a 7-0 victory over Brechin City in the Premier Sports Cup.
Falkirk manager John McGlynn explained the circumstances surrounding Arfield’s departure on Thursday, acknowledging the player’s need for regular football at this stage of his career. “Scott’s getting on in years, obviously getting towards the end of his playing career, and he needs to be playing,” McGlynn said. “He wasn’t getting the game-time that would satisfy him. He was brilliant all the way through. He came in and had a chat with us two or three weeks before and he gave us his intentions.”
Arfield becomes Livingston’s fourth signing of the January transfer window as manager David Martindale attempts to lift the club off the bottom of the table. The club has also recruited Joshua Zimmerman from Dutch side TOP Oss, secured Alex Tamm on loan from Slovenian club Olimpija Ljubljana, and signed midfielder Emmanuel Danso following his departure from Norwegian outfit Stabæk. Arfield will wear the number 37 shirt, with Danso switching to number 20 to accommodate the new arrival.
