It is with great sadness that the club have learned of the passing of former Raith Rovers player Alex Gray.

Alex was aged 76, and had lived in Australia since moving there in 1971. He is survived by his wife Janis, sons Alex and Michael, grandsons Scott and Ross and great-grandchildren Lockie, Alexis and Indiana.

He played in the Kirkcaldy North Primary School team that won the Fernie Trophy in 1957.

Alex then signed for Raith Rovers FC on the 8th of December 1962 from local juvenile side Nairn Thistle, at the age of 17.

He made his first team debut for the Rovers in a Scottish League Cup section tie away to Dumbarton on the 14th of August 1963. He went on to make 14 appearances that season at left-back. Over the next six seasons he made the left-back position his own. He was an outstanding and consistent performer. He was appointed club captain on a couple of occasions.

For supporters of a certain age the defence line of Reid, Stein, Gray, Polland, Evans and Porterfield will bring back so many happy memories.

He was part of the team that won promotion back to the top flight of Scottish Football under George Farm in season 1966-67. He played 36 league games that season missing only two. He was again a top performer when the club moved into the Scottish First Division.

Alex (3rd from left, back row) and his Rovers teammates in 1969

He won the Fife Cup on three occasions with Raith Rovers. For a full-back that scored only 2 goals, his rocket shot against Partick Thistle that flew past their goalkeeper Niven and almost took the net off was a very memorable goal in October 1967.

Alex famously took over from goalkeeper Bobby Reid when he was sent-off against Celtic at Parkhead, and he also went in goal at Bayview, when once again Bobby Reid was sent-off.

Alex’s last game for Raith Rovers came on the 24th of April 1971 against Dunfermline Athletic in a Fife Cup semi-final.

Alex Gray made 290 appearances for Raith Rovers scoring 2 goals. He left Raith Rovers on 1st of August 1971 before emigrating to Australia.

Alex’s son, Alex junior, told of his love for his time at Raith Rovers and how he still took a great interest in the club’s fortunes from afar.

In recent years, he loved it when photos of his time at Stark’s Park were sent to the family, as these brought back so many happy memories.

Alex signing the commemorative print commissioned by Gavin White/RDS.

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