Raith appoint new chairman and give Smith green light

Kirkcaldy: Club announce Bill Clark as new chairman

Barry Smith has been given a vote of confidence by Raith Rovers, while the Fife outfit have underlined their determination to remain a full-time club following the appointment of local figure Bill Clark as chairman.

Alan Young stepped down from the role following Rovers’ 4-1 aggregate defeat against Alloa in the Championship play-offs which condemned the Stark’s Park side to another campaign in League 1, also resigning from his position as a director.

Many livid supporters also vented their fury at boss Smith, who missed out on the title by just one point after a fraught race with Ayr United. The former Dundee and East Fife manager is contracted to Raith until next summer.

With uncertainty abounding, a board meeting was hastily organised for Tuesday evening. During the talks, a vote among the remaining directors saw Clark named the new chairman, stepping up from his existing role as company secretary.

In a statement, Raith also made it clear Smith would be the man charged with leading the club back to the Championship at the second time of asking. Despite financial challenges of another season in the third tier, they will also seek to avoid becoming part-time.

A club spokesperson said: “The board of Raith Rovers is pleased to announce that Bill Clark has accepted the position of chairman of the club. Bill will be working closely with his fellow directors on plans for the season ahead.

“The club will be making every effort to retain its full-time status under current manager Barry Smith.”

Clark, born and bred in Kirkcaldy, carved out a career in the education sector, serving as rector of Galashiels Academy, chief inspector of schools for Scotland and director of education in Islington, London.

Smith, meanwhile, has made it clear he retains absolute faith in his ability to lead Rovers back to the Championship next season.

He said: “We hit the post in the final minute of the last league game of the season. That would have won us the league. That’s the fine margins we are dealing with. I’ve still got full belief in the squad, and the players we’ll look to bring in, that we can get Raith Rovers promoted.”

Raith’s next priority will be to cement their budget for next season and make decisions regarding the vast majority of their playing squad whose deals expire this summer. It is understood only David McKay, Ross Matthews, Lewis Vaughan and Liam Buchanan are contracted to the club beyond June.

Meanwhile, Raith have confirmed work will begin on a state-of-the-art synthetic surface at Stark’s Park next week.

The 4G turf will cost in the region of £650,000 to install, however owner John Sim is hopeful hiring out the pitch to the public will prove a lucrative longterm strategy as well as strengthening links with the community.

Raith’s ladies’ team and youth sides will play their home fixtures at Stark’s Park in the fullness of time, while it gives the senior side the option to train there as well as their regular base – Michael Woods Sports Centre in Glenrothes.

Supporters have been offered the opportunity to purchase a patch of turf for a minimum donation of £5 by contacting the club on commercial@ raithrovers.net

The club will be making every effort toretainits full-time status under current manager Barry Smith

SNS. Staying put: Barry Smith will be in charge next season.