It’s good Hughes week for Rovers
WHATEVER else Raith Rovers’ players may be able to cite in mitigation for adverse results from here on in, a lack of preparation will not be one of them.
One of the cornerstones of John Hughes’ first full week in charge at Stark’s Park was an elongated training session where the newly-appointed manager spoke at length about his expectations while his players listened attentively.
In terms of their obligations moving forward, the Raith players can consider their cards to have been well and truly marked.
Ahead of today’s visit of Hibs, a chance to end their woeful 14-game losing streak that cost Gary Locke his job, defender Craig Barr believes the diktat as laid down by their new boss has served to give the squad a new sense of purpose and direction.
‘It’s been good this week with the gaffer,’ said Barr. ‘We had a double session on Tuesday and that was for him to let us know how he wants us to play, the options we’ll have as individuals in specific positions. He was drilling us on his concepts and principles. He has done it right away, so we’ve no excuses and we know what he demands of us.
‘He’s very thoughtful in how he sees the game and how he gets that across to the players. It’s good to be on the training pitch and listening to him.
‘I was fortunate enough to do it before (at Livingston), but that was five years ago.
‘For him to now be going over some of the stuff again, it gives me a different picture. I’m older and more experienced and I can see more where he’s coming from.’
Rovers’ barren spell has left them just four points ahead of ninth-placed Ayr United with only 13 games left to play.
As grim as that sequence has been, a 1-1 draw with Hibs on Christmas Eve, when they came within two minutes of a win, together with a goalless draw in mid-October, are reasons to believe their fortunes can turn today.
‘Over the years, with Hibs being in the league, it’s always been a tough task, with the depth of squad, finances and support they have,’ added Barr. ‘But, generally, we have handled ourselves well over the years, more so at Stark’s Park.
‘We know it will be another tough game and Hibs are a good team. At the same time, it’s one we look forward to.
‘No one’s expecting anything of us and, with the record we have with them at Stark’s, I don’t think they’ll be overly enthusiastic about coming here to play us under a new manager.’
On a day which sees Hughes lock horns with a club he captained and managed, Hibs striker Brian Graham is adamant there will be no place for sentiment.
The 29-year-old enjoyed a prolific two-year stint at Raith, bagging 38 goals and earning a move to Dundee United.
‘You can’t think like that,’ admitted Graham. ‘Raith are a club I’ll always hold in high regard. In my second season there, I scored 27 goals and I really loved it there.
‘They gave me a springboard to get to the Premiership and my move to Dundee United.
‘But I played against them for the first time with Ross County at the beginning of the season in the Betfred Cup — and scored a penalty that day. I got a few shouts from their fans for doing that but it was all good. That’s my job.’
With Dundee United playing Queen of the South in the IrnBru Cup semi-final, Hibs would go nine points clear at the top of the table with a victory.
Graham, however, is aware of the bounce Raith are likely to have from the appointment of a new manager.
‘I think John Hughes will bring something different to them and he’ll have them right up for this game,’ he added.
‘It surprises me to see where they are because they have a good squad. It’s a difficult place to go but we have high hopes of getting three points.’