Club 29/05/2021
Player Update 2021
Following the end of the club’s first season back in the SPFL Championship, which culminated in the Premiership Playoff Semi Final defeat to eventual winners Dundee, the planning and preparation for next season started almost straight away with discussions taking place with members of the playing squad whose contracts are coming to an end:
Long – serving defender Iain Davidson, who amassed 507 appearances and 19 goals over 14 seasons with the club (placing him 3rd in the list of all – time appearances for the Rovers), leaves with warm wishes for the future and generous thanks from all at the club. A full tribute to ‘Davo’ was published recently on the club website after the 37-year-old made his 500th appearance, and can be read again here.
Strikers Gozie Ugwu & Manny Duku have been advised that they will not be offered terms for next season. Gozie joined the Rovers last August and made 21 appearances, scoring 5 goals. Manny Duku also joined the Rovers last August and made 33 appearances scoring 14 goals. We thank both players for their service over the last 9 months (with both frontmen scoring goals in vital matches last season) and wish them every success in their respective careers.
Wide midfielder Dan Armstrong was offered an extension to his contract but has chosen to move on to pastures new, and leaves with thanks from the club and best wishes for the future. Dan served his football apprenticeship at Wolverhampton Wanderers and first joined the Rovers in November 2018, shortly after John McGlynn and Paul Smith returned to Stark’s Park. Dan made 69 appearances and scored 16 goals (either side of a half season spell at Championship winners Ross County).
Defender Frankie Musonda has extended his contract after a successful operation on his knee injury. The former Luton Town player has made 26 appearances and has scored 3 goals since arriving in Fife last August, impressing with his calm defending and versatility and playing at centre back and fullback with equal composure.
Contract extensions have been offered, and discussions between the club and the remaining out-of-contract players (Brad Spencer & Regan Hendry) are continuing.
As previously reported, Goalkeeping Coach David McGurn leaves as the club return to a wholly full – time setup. A tribute to the fans favourite can be read again here.
Also bringing an end to their time at Stark’s Park are defender Fernandy Mendy and striker Jack Smith. They move on with thanks for their efforts and the best wishes of everyone at Raith Rovers.
Loan players Timmy Abraham, Kai Kennedy, Nathan Cooney, Adam King and Jamie Gullan return to their parent clubs Fulham, Rangers, Dundee United and Hibernian, as their loan agreements come to an end. We thank them for their efforts this season, and wish them all well for the future.
The Management team of John McGlynn and Paul Smith continue to work behind the scenes, talking to players and their representatives as the club prepares for the new season.
The full list of players in contract for season 2021 – 22 is displayed on the Players page on the club website.