Big chance for trialists to impress Rovers boss

Barry Smith looking to add more faces ahead of the new season at Stark’s Park

Raith boss Barry Smith will run the rule over a number of trialists when preseason training starts tomorrow.

The Rovers manager is looking to bolster his squad following the release of 12 players at the end of last season, with Jason Thomson subsequently joining Arbroath while player/coach Scott Robertson last week hung up his boots to take on a full-time coaching role with Dundee United.

Smith did add former East Fife striker Chris Duggan and ex-falkirk keeper Robbie Thomson to his roster last week and they will meet their new team-mates for the first time tomorrow.

The players will be put through their paces at the Michael Woods Leisure Centre in Glenrothes although the squad will eventually be moving to train at Stark’s Park this season once the new artificial pitch is fully bedded in.

Before then Smith is hoping he will have added more signing targets, although he admitted it is very much a waiting game at the moment.

The manager said: “We have spoken to a lot of players and we still have guys in mind who we believe fit the bill. There are a lot of players out there but it is vitally important that we bring the right ones in.

“We start back for pre-season on Thursday and I will be having a look at some trialists.

“However, it is that stage of the summer where some players are holding off making a decision on their futures and trying to ensure they get the best deal possible which is understandable.”

Smith admitted he was sorry to see Robertson leave the club but he was delighted to have added Duggan and Thomson.

He said: “Scott has retired from football and has moved into a full-time coaching role which will make him financially better off.

“We offered him the best deal we could but I would like to thank Scott for all his help last season.

“We have brought Chris in though and he is someone I know well from East Fife.

“He is a good addition who is strong, can hold the ball up well and scores goals.

“Robbie is someone we have had an eye on for a good while and we know what he brings to the table.

“He obviously has an affinity with the club through his dad which is a bonus but the main reason we brought him to the club is that he is a good keeper.

“Robbie is really enthusiastic and just wants to do well. He has dropped down a league on less money which speaks volumes for him and shows just how much he wanted to play for Raith.” Twitter: @C_nrobertson

SNS. Fresh start: Barry Smith will have a look at the trialists – and has a few other players in mind.

Picture: SNS. Former East Fife player Chris Duggan will meet his new team-mates at Raith tomorrow.