Smith ends his reign at Stark’s Park

Barry Smith last night ended his time in charge of League 1 joint leaders Raith Rovers.

The former Dundee, Alloa, Aldershot and East Fife manager joined the Kirkcaldy club last summer and was tasked with securing promotion back to the Championship following relegation during the reign of John Hughes.

A title win looked on until a final-day goalless draw meant Ayr became Champions and Raith were denied promotion via the play-offs when they lost to Alloa.

Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Forfar put them alongside Arbroath at the top of the table, but the 44-year-old is believed to feel that a deterioration in his relationship with the board in recent weeks left him with no option but to walk away.

The Fife club issued a statement last night advising: “The Board of Raith Rovers Football Club have 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.”

Smith last night declined the opportunity to clarify the position.