Smith sets out club’s signing priorities

Raith Rovers boss Barry Smith revealed where his remaining signing priorities lie as he gears up for the start of pre-season in seven days.

The Stark’s Park manager made a triple capture on Friday, in the form of Liam Buchanan, Greig Spence and Euan Murray.

Smith is also in talks with keeper Aaron Lennox, who was on loan at Raith last season and is a free agent after being released by Aberdeen last month.

Skipper Jason Thomson will also put pen to paper on a new deal next week.

One possible signing target, Mark Docherty, joined East Fife earlier this week, but the manager said no formal offer had been made to the ex-Dumbarton player.

Smith said: “Mark is a friend of mine and I spoke to him about coming to Raith but we didn’t offer him a contract.

“He was keen to come to the club but he has a really good job and ultimately he chose to stay part-time and sign for East Fife.

“However, everything is agreed with Jason Thomson and he should sign a new deal when he returns from holiday next week.

“Jason is 29 now and is an experienced defender. He will be a valuable player for us once again.

“We made three new signings last Friday but I am still looking to bolster my squad.

“We need a defender and a wide player and hopefully there will be developments on that front in the next wee while.

“I am also in talks with Aaron Lennox, who was on loan from Aberdeen last season to bring him back but we will have to wait and see on that one.”

Meanwhile, Smith insists there has been no interest from other clubs in Lewis Vaughan.

The striker is understood to be on the radar of clubs in the Championship and the Premiership but the Rovers boss sees the 22-year-old as an integral part of his plans for the club’s promotion push.

He added: “Lewis is a valuable part of my squad and I see him having a big part to play next season.”