New Management Team Announced

The Board of Raith Rovers are delighted to announce that John McGlynn has been appointed as Manager of the Football Club, with immediate effect, on a contract to the end of season 2019 – 20.

Joining John in the Stark’s Park dugout as Assistant Manager is Paul Smith, who re-joins the club he served with distinction as a striker in the 1980s. Paul also worked alongside John when Rovers last won a league title in 2008 – 09.

John and Paul’s managerial stock rose in their time together at Stark’s Park, where they turned the club’s fortunes around with a mixture of hard graft and determination masterminding several memorable campaigns. Their first challenge was to restore pride and SFL First Division football to Stark’s Park after relegation which was achieved as the Rovers were crowned SFL Second Division Champions in 2008 – 09.

The highlights of John and Paul’s time at the Rovers in the SFL First Division are well – documented, with Rovers supporters still recalling with great fondness the Scottish Cup run to the semi-final defeat to eventual winners Dundee United in season 2009-10, which featured a memorable victory against the odds away from home at Pittodrie and then a thrilling quarter final victory over Dundee at Dens Park.

The following season Rovers mounted a serious challenge for the First Division League title and promotion to the SPL; and despite losing out to Fife derby rivals Dunfermline Athletic in the final weeks of the season, John McGlynn won the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award.

The Board of Raith Rovers would like to place on record their thanks to Celtic for their co-operation during discussions about the appointment of John McGlynn.

Additionally, our thanks go on record to Kevin Cuthbert who agreed without hesitation to look after football matters in the last few weeks. Kevin is in continued discussions with the club and is currently considering his options.

Speaking exclusively to www.raithrovers.net before this morning’s Press Conference to announce his new position, John said “I am relishing the challenge of getting Raith Rovers back to the SPFL Championship, and in particular working with full time players as we strive to progress the club to the next level.

I am delighted that Paul Smith has agreed to join me in this exciting phase in the clubs history”

Raith Rovers Chairman Bill Clark added “When we started the search for a new manager John’s name made its way quickly to the top of our list.

The Board of Directors at RRFC look forward to working with John, starting with him taking training with the full squad later today. Along with Paul Smith we believe we have appointed a hugely experienced management team that gives us stability as well as the ability to get the most out of resources and players. Allied to their successful time with us between 2006 and 2012, they have a huge affinity for the club, staff and supporters and we believe they will be an even better management team this time round given John’s experiences at Hearts, Livingston and Celtic”

John and Paul were introduced to the local and national media at 10.15am today, and also spoke to RaithTV about their new roles:

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