Barry Smith to be unveiled as manager of Raith Rovers

Barry Smith is to be unveiled as the new Raith Rovers boss this afternoon.

The 43-year-old former Dundee, Alloa and Aldershot manager has been in charge of East Fife since December.

Smith took the Methil men to the promotion play-offs this season but will now move to Stark’s Park.

Raith have been on the hunt for a new manager since parting company with John Hughes following the club’s relegation from the Championship.

Smith was previously interviewed for the Raith job last summer but lost out to Gary Locke.

Meanwhile, the board of directors at Forfar Athletic have moved to clarify the position of manager Gary Bollan after he was linked with the Rovers job.

The Kirkcaldy club had sought permission to speak to the former Livingston and Airdrie manager with regard to the vacant position at Stark’s Park.

“Gary met with Kirkcaldy club’s officials at the end of last week and having mulled over the situation at the weekend he informed chairman Ken Stewart that he wishes to remain at Forfar,” read a Station Park statement.

“It has to be stressed that Gary had not been officially offered the Raith post, but to avoid any uncertainty at an important time of the close season, he felt he had to make a decisive decision himself on his own immediate future.

“The directors are delighted that he is to remain with the club, having guided the Loons back to the third tier of the SPFL at the first time of asking.

“He will now continue to rebuild his squad for the season ahead which begins with the Betfred Cup ties in mid-July.”

Barry Smith is to be appointed the new Raith Rovers boss.