Exodus at Stark’s Park as Raith rebuild for next season

Kirkcaldy: At least 12 players have played their last game for Rovers

Raith Rovers have announced their list of players who have been retained and released – although the futures of other key personnel are still up in the air.

Barry Smith’s side missed out on promotion this season after being pipped for the title by Ayr and then losing to Alloa in the play-offs.

They will spend at least another campaign in League 1 although the club have decided to remain full-time.

Smith has now moved to overhaul his squad with Bobby Barr, Jonny Court, Greig Spence, Aaron Lennox, John Herron, Graeme Smith, Willis Furtado, Yaw Osei, Andreas Thorsen and Kevin Mchattie all leaving Stark’s Park.

Loan players Regan Hendry and Dario Zanatta have returned to Celtic and Hearts respectively.

Liam Buchanan, David Mckay, Lewis Vaughan and Ross Matthews still have a year left on their deals with Raith.

However Iain Davidson, Kyle Benedictus, Jason Thomson, Euan Murray and player/coach Scott Robertson are still in discussions with the club over new deals.

Arbroath could be ready to make an attempt to sneak in and sign Thomson.

The 30-year-old is interesting Gayfield boss Dick Campbell as he is contemplating a switch to part-time football.

Meanwhile, former Dunfermline defender Ross Millen is interesting Forfar. However the Station Park side face competition for his signature from Stranraer.

The 23-year-old, who spent five years with the Pars and made nearly 80 appearances before heading to Livingston in 2015, is considering leaving present club Queen’s Park after two years and is not short of offers.

The Loons are the frontrunners, however Queen’s Park head coach Gus Macpherson has not given up hope of keeping the defender.

Macpherson said: “Ross has a couple of options to consider away from here which is not a surprise as he is a good player.

“He also knows that the door at Queen’s Park is open if he wants to continue being at Hampden.”

nrobertson@thecourier.co.uk

Pictures: SNS Group.

Three of the players leaving Stark’s Park, clockwise, from left: Bobby Barr, John Herron and Kevin Mchattie.

Picture: SNS. Barry Smith: Saw his team pipped for promotion on the final day and then lose out to Alloa in the playoffs.