It’s a cup final hat-trick John does not want
Raith Rovers manager John Mcglynn is determined to make sure he does not become the subject of a football teaser by taking to the dugout in his first cup final.
The Kirkcaldy outfit take on Inverness Caley Thistle for the Tunnock’s Caramelwafer Challenge Cup next month after over coming Par tick Thistle at the semi- final stage on Valentine’s Day.
And the experienced coach is now desperate for history not to repeat itself for a second time, having lost his job at both Hearts and Livingston before he could oversee the showpieces he had led them to.
In his stint at Tynecastle, the 58- yearold was ruthlessly axed by Vladimir Romanov just weeks before Hearts were beaten by St Mirren in the March, 2013, League Cup final at Hampden.
It was a similar story at Livingston, with Mcglynn parting company before the Lions lifted aloft the Challenge Cup following victory over Alloa five years ago.
However, with Rovers vying for the League One title this season, Mcglynn is confident his team will be in good shape going into the final against the Caley Jags.
Mcglynn said: “You get beat in five games, and you could be out of a job.
“That’s what happened at Hearts, and it was something similar at Livingston.
“You have to take it one game at a time.
“That record is probably unique, and it would be even more unique if it was to happen for a third time.
“I’m not anticipating that. The players have been first- class. They’re training very well and there is confidence in the team.
“However, you can never look too far ahead.”
W hi leMcG lynn is looking forward to the Final, it is a different story for James Keatings after the striker’s appeal against the second yellow card he was shown for alledgedly diving during Caley’s semi-final victory over Rangers Colts was dismissed.
The SFA has attracted widespread criticism over the incident – including from former England striker, Gary Lineker – after footage of the challenge from Rangers’ Ciaran Dickson went viral.
Mcglynn understands why Inverness are furious over the decision.
“The statement Inverness came out with was fairly strong,” he said.
“I think anyone who’s football- minded would have anticipated that being reversed – but it wasn’t.
“We’re looking for a bit of clarity on that, but you just have to get on with it.”