Smith hails rookies as coaching mix brings freshness to Rovers

Barry Smith insists Raith Rovers’ rookie coaches are playing a big part in the club’s early-season success.

Smith appointed injured goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert, 34, and experienced midfielder Scott Robertson, 32, as his assistants after taking over from John Hughes following relegation last term.

With under-20s coach Craig Easton, 38, adding to a youthful backroom team at Stark’s Park, Smith believes the mix is adding to the fresh approach he has brought with him to the Kirkcaldy club.

Smith was this week named League One manager of the month for August after leading Rovers to the top of the table in the opening weeks of the campaign.

He said: “For as much as their coaching experience isn’t a lot, their experience of football is very good.

“They bring different viewpoints and different attributes to the table. Kevin, Scott and Craig Easton all bring different things and it’s working well.

“We’ve all got different opinions, which makes it easier because we’ve got different ideas, and we’re using everybody to their full value at the moment.

“You hope they’ll be learning from me as well; that’s part of the reason they’re there, to learn and become better. They’ll make their own decisions. Some things they’ll agree with and some things they won’t, and it’s about them finding their own way of coaching.”

Raith host second-placed Ayr United in a crucial top-ofthe-table clash this weekend, with attacker Lewis Vaughan seeking to score for the 10th game in a row.

Smith is thrilled to still have the services of the 13-goal forward.

He added: “There was a lot of talk but when it comes down to it he’s a Raith Rovers player and that’s all I’m concerned about.

“He’s scoring goals but the whole front line is scoring goals.”

Barry Smith with his manager of the month award.