EMPTY FEELING FOR A HUGE FIFE DERBY
Yogi gutted just 500 fans will be at Stark’s Park, even though it saves him from stick
DUNFERMLINE boss John Hughes insists he is gutted tomorrow’s Fife derby has been deprived of its red-hot atmosphere — despite knowing he would have been the target for Raith boo boys.
Only 500 supporters are allowed to attend the Stark’s Park clash because of the controversial coronavirus protocols set out by the Scottish government.
Those who will be there will remind Hughes of his role in Rovers’ calamitous relegation from the Championship in 2017.
It is a regrettable blot on his managerial CV that he admits he takes full responsibility for.
But as he desperately seeks points to now haul the Pars away from the dreaded drop zone, he is determined to enjoy his return to Kirkcaldy.
He said: “I am disappointed that there is not going to be a crowd there for the derby. The game deserves a crowd. I have respect for Raith, having managed there, although it was one of the biggest disappointments in my career. It hurt getting relegated.
“They are a well-supported club and I have great respect for the job John McGlynn has done.
“I got the job at Raith because of their results and it was my job to go there to turn it round.
“It hurts. I am a very proud man and no matter which club that I’m at, I give it my best shot.
“I have never hidden the fact that I will take full responsibility, even if that maybe let everyone else off the hook. But I was the manager. Raith have got themselves in a good place now and I’m delighted for them.”
Meanwhile, Hughes is set to throw new signing Steven Lawless straight into his starting line-up against Raith.
The former Livingston and
Partick Thistle winger has signed a deal through to the end of the season and could be joined by more fresh faces if Hughes gets his way.
He added: “Steven Lawless will need to be in the starting 11.
“When he came in on Monday, to do his medical and fitness tests, his running stats and numbers were right up there.
“All credit to him for looking after himself while training at Livingston.
“He is a good player and he is right in amongst it.”
New Raith forward Sam Stanton admits he is relishing the prospect of being handed a Fife derby baptism of fire in tomorrow’s visit of Dunfermline. The former Hibs and Dundee United player signed a two-anda-half year deal with McGlynn’s side a fortnight ago following a spell in Ireland with Dundalk. But the attacking midfielder has had to wait patiently to make his debut as it is only from the opening of today’s transfer window that he can be officially registered. Stanton, 27, said: “I’m looking forward to it, with it being a derby as well it will be good. “It’s a good one to start with for me and it’s exciting, you can’t ask for a bigger game. I’ve been in for a couple of weeks now and it’s been nice to get to know everyone and the club a bit better. You want to play in the games at the weekend and I’m looking forward to it.”