KALLUM HIGGINBOTHAM and Ryan Williamson are among 13 players who are leaving Dunfermline following the conclusion of their Championship season.

Following talks with head coach Stevie Crawford, the duo are set to move away from East End this summer, along with Lee Robinson, Mark Durnan, Louis Longridge, Aidan Connolly, Brandon Luke, Robbie Muirhead and the retired Sean Murdoch.

In addition, Dundee pair James Vincent and Faissal El Bakhtaoui, Swansea City midfielder Ryan Blair, and Aberdeen forward Bruce Anderson, will return to their parent clubs after their loan spells came to an end.

Head coach Stevie Crawford began talks with his out-of-contract players this morning to thrash out their futures, and the departures of Higginbotham and Williamson are two of the most high-profile that have been announced.

Englishman Higginbotham joined the Pars in the summer of 2016 and, after making his debut in a League Cup victory over Arbroath, went on to play 114 times for the club in all competitions, scoring 19 goals.

In a social media post, he said: "I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Dunfermline for making the last three years one of (sic) the best times in my career,

"Unfortunately today was my last day at the club; I've met some wonderful people along the way and the club will always hold a special place in my heart.

"It's unfortunate we part ways but that's football, players move on, but I wish the club and the people behind the scenes every success.

"I've made some friends for life and I'll be forever grateful to people at the club. Onwards and upwards to new challenges over the next few seasons."

Williamson, who made his Pars debut in 2013 after emerging through the club's youth ranks, said that it is "time for a fresh start" but would leaving with some "great memories that I will never forget".

The full back, who missed all-but four of Athletic's matches during their League One title-winning campaign in 2015-16 after a double leg-break at Forfar Athletic, went on to win four Scotland under-21 caps at the club, for whom he played 136 times.

The last of those appearances was in a 2-1 loss at Queen of the South last month, and posting on Twitter this afternoon, he said: "After being at DAFC since I was 14, it is time for a fresh start and I will be moving on to a new challenge.

"I have experienced many highs and lows during my time and leave with some great memories that I will never forget.

"I've met and had the opportunity to work with some great people over the last nine years and I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone connected to the club. That includes the fans that have supported me through thick and thin which has been really appreciated.

"I will be forever grateful for everything and I wish the club all the very best for the future.

"Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me now. COYP."

Durnan, whose season has been hampered by injury after joining from Dundee United last summer, wrote: "Last day at Dunfermline today, would like to thank the club and fans for your backing during a tough season, very frustrating personally picking up two injuries that kept me out large chunk of the season!

"Wish you all the very best for the future".

Midfielder Vincent, who was in his second loan spell with the club, added: "Would like to wish everyone at Dunfermline all the best for the future. Enjoyed my time at EEP.

"Great club with some brilliant people behind the scenes who I wish the very best for.

"Hopefully the club can reach its potential and be successful in the years to come!"