Craig Easton: New Player Development Squad Coach

Raith Rovers are delighted to introduce Craig Easton as the Head Coach of our new Player Development Squad.

The club recently announced the creation of a Development Squad to help bridge the gap between FEFA and the First Team, and ensure young players are provided with the training and attention they need to develop into professional footballers. The appointment of Craig marks a key moment in the creation of this new setup.

Craig’s professional playing career started at the age of 17, spending 9 years with Dundee United followed by spells at various English clubs. Craig is a fully qualified coach and has good experience of developing young players at Torquay United’s academy and preparing them to join the senior ranks. Craig is described by former colleagues as the ultimate professional and we are sure he will be an excellent role model for our Player Development Squad.

Craig says ‘I am looking forward to working with my old team mate Stephen Wright from the Fife Elite Football Academy and creating a pathway for young talented players to earn a place in Gary Locke’s first team squad at Raith Rovers.’

To help pay for the Player Development Squad the Board have set up a new fund to help fans and the community support this new initiative. Archie Smith of Fife Fabrications Limited, one of our major commercial sponsors, says: ‘FiFab are delighted to be involved in supporting the Raith Rovers Player Development Fund. As a successful Fife company we have proved the benefits of training and continue to be a firm believer in all aspects of training, especially apprenticeship training. We fully endorse the Club’s initiative and wish them all the best in the future.’

Individual supporters can also play a part in making this vision a reality by setting up a monthly standing order for £10 (or whatever you can afford). There are several simple ways of doing this explained on our website [click here for details].  Alternatively, you can pick up a form at the Club office at Stark’s Park.

Watch the RaithTV video below to find out more about how the Raith Rovers Player Development Squad will provide the vital link between FEFA and our first team.

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