Arfield has taken his first permanent step into management after agreeing a deal with the League One club until May 2029.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by East Fife Football Club (@officialeastfifefc)

The 38-year-old succeeds Dick Campbell at Bayview and his appointment quickly caught the attention of his former Rangers boss. Gerrard responded to East Fife’s announcement on Instagram with the message: “Yes Scotty lad.”

The pair enjoyed a successful spell together at Ibrox, with Arfield forming part of the Rangers squad that won the Premiership title under Gerrard during the unbeaten 2020/21 campaign.

Several other former Rangers players also reacted to Arfield’s appointment, including Kemar Roofe, Andy Halliday, Jon Flanagan, Scott Wright and Andy Firth.

Arfield will combine his new coaching responsibilities with playing duties, although he is not expected to take to the pitch immediately as he builds up his match fitness. His first game in charge will come when Peterhead visit Bayview this weekend.

Speaking after his appointment, Arfield said: “I am absolutely delighted to be the new manager of East Fife and I cannot wait to get started.

“I feel I am ready to go into coaching after learning a lot from excellent managers during my playing career, and I am grateful to East Fife for believing in me and for giving me this opportunity.

“My aim is now to create opportunities for others and to build a team which will excite East Fife supporters and attract the attention of the local community.

“It is a highly respected club which has great potential, and it is a privilege to be given the chance to lead it forward.”

Arfield takes charge of an East Fife side in good form following successive league victories over Queen of the South and Montrose.

East Fife chairman Liam Anderson described the move as an “innovative appointment” and one which demonstrated the club’s ambitions.