Barry Smith walks out on Raith Rovers.

Stark’s Park board ‘reluctantly’ accept manager’s resignation

Raith have begun the search for a new manager after Barry Smith sensationally quit the club yesterday.

The 44-year-old tendered his resignation in the afternoon with the Rovers board holding an emergency meeting last night to “reluctantly” accept it.

Smith’s decision to walk away will have come as a big shock to the club’s fans as Rovers are undefeated in League 1 so far this season and have won their last two games, beating Airdrie 4-3 two weeks ago and then Forfar 4-0 on

Saturday.

Rovers sit joint top of the table but it is understood former Dundee boss Smith felt he could no longer work with the Kirkcaldy club’s board of directors.

Raith were pipped to automatic promotion last season by Ayr United but, despite failing to go up through the play-offs, decided to remain full-time in League 1. However, Smith’s budget was slashed with a subsequent reduction in playing staff which resulted in the manager struggling to fill his bench at times.

The club issued a statement saying: “The board of Raith Rovers Football Club have this evening reluctantly accepted the resignation of manager Barry Smith.

“Kevin Cuthbert has agreed to be in charge of all football matters for the game on Saturday against Ross County.

“The board are now considering all options for taking the club forward. Further information will be issued in due course.”

Smith took over at Raith last May following the club’s relegation from the Championship under John Hughes.