EDDIE Forrest, the former Motherwell footballer, could find himself on the dole this summer after falling victim to a cruel hoax.
The 24-year-old defender recently turned down a trial with Partick Thistle to re-sign for Arbroath, but was shocked when an unknown caller contacted him to offer him a full-time contract at Raith Rovers.
The caller, claiming to be Danny Smith, Raith chairman, offered Forrest a contract with the first division team, even discussing financial terms.
Impressed with the conditions on offer and a chance of full-time football, Forrest subsequently contacted Arbroath asking if he could be released from his newly-signed 12- month deal.
That request was granted, with Arbroath signing a replacement, Paul Browne, the same evening.
However, after speaking to Mr Smith, who is now investigating the matter, Forrest learned he had been the victim of a hoax. He is now left without a club only a month before the start of the new season.
''It's something very bizarre and weird and I cannot believe it has happened,'' he said. ''I can't believe someone would go to such an extent,'' said the Edinburgh-born player, who admitted to being ''suspicious'' when receiving the first call.
''I asked him about travelling arrangements and he even told me not to worry about it because their striker, Andy Smith, travels from Cumbernauld and I could come through with him. ''
The player called his mobile phone company yesterday in an attempt to trace the caller, who phoned him on three separate occasions.
Last night, Arbroath were negotiating to see whether they could afford to re-sign the defender. John Brownlie, Arbroath manager, said: ''It is an appalling situation. I signed Paul Browne on Wednesday before we found out Eddie's deal was a hoax and now the club might not have the finances to offer him anything.''
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