Raith Rovers have been dealt a blow after striker John Baird signed a pre-contract with Championship rivals Queen of the South.
The 28-year-old joined Rovers at the end of January after leaving Premiership outfit Partick Thistle for what was his second spell at Kirkcaldy.
The front man then wrote himself into the club’s record books in April by netting the extra-time winner in the Ramsdens Cup final against Rangers.
Stark’s boss Grant Murray was believed to be keen to keep him at the club, but he is now set for a move to Palmerston.
Queens released a statement saying: “John Baird has agreed to join the club as soon as the transfer window opens and his present contract with Raith Rovers runs out.
“John was at Palmerston today to sign a pre-contract.”
Manager Jim McIntyre said: “He’s a player I have admired for a long time and I am delighted to finally get him. I tried to sign him when I was with Dunfermline but it didn’t quite happen.
“He’s a proven goalscorer at this level and I’m sure he will get goals for us next season.”
The player himself added: “I am happy to have agreed everything so quickly and committed myself to Queens. I can relax now and enjoy the summer, but I will be ready to go for pre-season.
“The big thing is to get my future sorted out early. Queen of the South have shown a lot of faith in me, and the manager has shown a lot of faith in me, by giving me a two-year contract.
“The manager has tried to sign me before, when he was at Dunfermline, and when somebody shows that much belief in you and your ability it is massive.
“I’ve been at Raith Rovers for two-and-a-half years of my career and it’s always been a happy place for me. Of course it is a wrench to leave, especially after the high of winning the Ramsdens Cup.
“But I’ve got to think of my family and the bigger picture, and I’m looking forward to a new chapter with Queen of the South.”