The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Leader Skacel adding ‘real quality’ to Stark’s Park survival battle
Raith Rovers: Veteran is a terrific influence, says boss
Raith Rovers boss John Hughes insists Rudi Skacel has been an unsung hero in the Fifers battle against the drop after hailing the veteran’s influence as a player and a coach.
The 37-year-old has endured a largely underwhelming campaign since arriving at Stark’s Park under Gary Locke last summer, failing to find the net and providing three assists.
Nevertheless, Hearts legend Skacel has been a surprise starter in Rovers’ last two outings against Dunfermline and Morton, and completed his first full 90 minutes since September on Saturday, helping them to a crucial 2-0 win.
And Hughes reserved special praise for the two-time Scottish Cup winner, insisting he has emerged as a dressing room leader, on and off the pitch.
Yogi said: “Rudi Skacel is 37, but he has real quality. He sees things and makes passes where you think ‘don’t break your stride, because he can find you.’ Rudi has done really well over the last three weeks.
“Just that experience he brings – the dos and the don’ts of football – is vital. He has been important as a coach, as well. He is a lovely, lovely boy. I can see why the Hearts fans have took to him and hold him in such high regard – I have as well!
“He is a great trainer, a great worker and knows the game.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with him and I’m delighted he got 90 minutes on Saturday. We were worried about that, we know his age, but he bosses people about – in the right way, not shouting and balling – and he was invaluable throughout the win at the weekend.”
The win over the Greenock men ensures Hughes is yet to taste defeat at Stark’s Park since his arrival in February, an unbeaten run spanning five matches.
Hughes noted “this place is becoming a fortress for us”, however with four reverses on the spin on the road, their next Championship outing is an onerous trip to newly-crowned champions Hibs next Wednesday.
The campaign finishes – notwithstanding the possibility of a relegation playoff – with blockbuster encounters against relegation rivals St Mirren and Ayr United.
Hughes added: “We know what is at stake. Every point is a prisoner and, if you want to sit back and rest on your laurels, then don’t put the strip on.
“We need to go to Hibs, have a trust and belief in each other and care – care for the supporters and the people that work in the office, the kit-man; all these people that make the club.”