Pursuit of Yogi finally bears fruit for Rovers

JOHN HUGHES has agreed to take on the task of halting a Raith Rovers slump — after the Fifers refused to take no for an answer. Moving swiftly to fill a vacancy created by the sacking of Gary Locke, the Kirkcaldy club completed a managerial coup when they landed Scottish Cup winner Yogi until the end of the season. Hughes, a former Inverness, Hibs and Falkirk boss, says the dogged persistence of Rovers chief Eric Drysdale persuaded him to return to football after turning down recent opportunities. ‘My agent Raymond Sparkes was saying Raith wouldn’t leave him alone,’ Hughes (right) told Sportsmail. ‘Their enthusiasm was infectious. As soon as I started talking to Eric Drysdale, he told me he was Raith Rovers boy and man, and that appealed. ‘I have knocked three or four jobs back, including one or two opportunities in England, because I had to be back with the family for the next four months — so it was perfect.’ Ahead of Ayr in the relegation play-off places by just four points, Raith have not won a game since October 29. Hughes’ first game is against his former club Hibs next weekend and, vowing to restore confidence, he refused to rule out a longer stay beyond this season. ‘It’s until the end of the season for now, but who knows what will happen after that? Let’s get to know each other and see where it takes us. ‘I need a reaction, we need to hit the ground running. ‘I don’t think we will win every game. ‘But we are going to try and, if supporters get behind us, you never know. ‘I will find out quickly what we are all about. ‘It’s good to be

back.’