Kyle Benedictus & Lewis Vaughan

Raith Rovers have today secured the services of skipper Kyle Benedictus and striker Lewis Vaughan on extended deals:

Kyle Benedictus has agreed an extension to his contract until the end of season 2019 – 20.

Kyle (27) signed for the Rovers at the start of season 2015 – 16 and has been a regular in the Rovers defence ever since.

Prior to his arrival at Stark’s Park, “Bene” had built up a solid playing history, spending 6 years at Dundee, as well as playing for Montrose and Alloa on loan.

Kyle was appointed captain of the Rovers at the start of last season, and has played 123 games for the Rovers (all but 1 of them starts), scoring 6 goals.

Attacker Lewis Vaughan has also extended his contract with the club until the end of season 2020 – 21.

23 year old Lewis signed a pro contract for the Rovers as a 16 year old, having first been spotted playing for Rovers under 14 academy team by current Rovers manager John McGlynn in his first stint in charge at Stark’s Park.

Lewis made his Rovers debut at the end of season  2011/2012 as an 85th minute sub for Dougie Hill in a game against Greenock Morton.
Over the next 3 seasons he started to establish himself in the first team, making 53 appearances and scoring 10 goals, as well as providing a number of assists for his teammates.

A knee injury at the start of 2015/2016 under new manager Ray McKinnon curtailed his involvement in the season that culminated with the Premiership playoff matches v his boyhood team Hibs.

After such a serious injury, Lewis impressed with his desire to return and positive mental outlook for the start of the League 1 campaign under the guidance of new manager Barry Smith. He started the season in fine style, embarking on a run of 11 consecutive games where he scored at least a goal a game. In total last season Lewie made 45 appearances, scoring 23 goals with the season ending in an  agonising playoff defeat v Alloa.

Despite Lewie’s appearances this season being restricted by injury he remains a key component in manager John McGlynn’s plans for the future, and a vital part of what Raith Rovers hope to achieve this season and beyond.

In total, Lewis has played 128 games for the Rovers (81 of them starts), scoring 43 goals

Kyle said: “I’m excited to have extended my contract with the Rovers until the end of next season. I’ve really enjoyed working with John McGlynn and Paul Smith and the squad of players we have here at Stark’s Park, and am looking forward to progressing with the club”

Lewis said: “I’m really pleased to have my future at Raith Rovers secured and am looking to kick on with the club that signed me as a pro when I was 16.

 I have missed being able to help the team and coaching staff out when I’ve not been playing, but I’m looking forward to the challenge of moving this club onwards and upwards”.

Rovers Manager John McGlynn added: “It’s great to have Kyle extend his contract. He has been outstanding since Paul and I arrived at the club and is worthy of his new deal. He leads by example on and off the pitch, is a good professional who everyone at the club respects and who will take us from strength to strength.

It’s also great news that Lewis has committed his future to Raith Rovers, he is undoubtedly one of the best players in this league. He has been unfortunate with the two operations he has undergone this season but the best is about to come from him.

 I’m personally delighted to be working with him, as I signed him during my previous time at the club and it shows the loyalty Lewis has given to the club”

Chairman Bill Clark was also delighted to secure both players services and said: “I am delighted that both players have extended their contracts with Raith Rovers FC. 

Kyle has been an important player for us during the last few seasons, is the Club Captain and is enjoying his football at Stark’s Park. 

Lewis has been with us since age 14 and is a very skilful player who, now he is over 23, could have signed a pre-contract agreement with another club during this transfer window.

He has, however, chosen to stay with us and do all he can to get us promoted this season.

The Board is committed to supporting the Manager by retaining our best players and making new signings to strengthen the squad. We are doing everything we can to gain promotion this season.  Together we can do it!“.

Both players talked to RaithTV after signing their contract extensions:

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