The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Smith bolsters squad with keeper signing
Raith rovers: Former Rangers and Peterhead goalie moves to Stark’s Park
Raith boss Barry Smith has drafted in experienced stopper Graeme Smith from Peterhead after first-choice goalie Aaron Lennox suffered a potentially-serious groin injury.
The manager handed teenage keeper Rory Brian his competitive debut in the win over Forfar at the weekend.
However, with Lennox facing a spell on the sidelines and Kevin Cuthbert still restricted to coaching duties, Smith has signed his 34-year-old namesake who has also played for Rangers, St Johnstone and St Mirren.
The Stark’s Park boss said: “Aaron has seen a specialist and we will wait for the report. We have an idea he will be out for an extended period so we have signed Graeme Smith from Peterhead.
“He has a lot of experience and played at a high level.”
Lennox’s absence is obviously a big blow especially as Raith are running with a tight squad this season.
And Smith revealed that he has introduced a disciplinary structure so his players are aware of their responsibilities in a bid to keep suspensions to the bare minimum.
He said: “We cannot stop the lads from tackling and we wouldn’t ask them to but there is a system in place where if they are getting booked for the wrong reasons then it will be dealt with internally. has
“It just gives them the guidance they need because running with a small squad you can’t afford to have too many bookings. They know my feelings on it.”
The win over Forfar was secured thanks to goals from the striking trio of Liam Buchanan, Greig Spence and Lewis Vaughan.
The latter has netted nine times already this season but when Smith was asked if there had been any concrete interest in the 21-year-old from sides elsewhere he said: “No. I think Lewis is enjoying his football at the moment and long may that continue.
“We don’t want to lose any of our players because every one of them brings their own value to what I want to do.
“We think we have a good team and that will get us through the season.
“Individuals are doing well but collectively they are all working hard together and that’s what gets results.”
Before joining Rovers, Smith had a spell managing Saturday’s League 1 opponents East Fife.
He admits he owes the Methil side a debt of gratitude but there will be no room for sentiment when his side – who have racked up a six-game unbeaten run – arrive at Bayview to take on Darren Young’s team.
Smith added: “I am grateful to the people of East Fife for giving me the opportunity to get back into football at the tail end of last year. I know how well the club is run and they have given their new manager the backing I had.
“They have a good squad down there and we know it will be a tough game. As I have always said, we will never disrespect a team especially knowing the players there but I have a lot of confidence in my lads and the way we are progressing.”
We don’t want to lose any of our players because every one of them brings their own value to what I want to do. BARRY SMITH