The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Bowie hails McGlynn’s role in progress
Kieron Bowie has lavished praise on Raith boss John McGlynn for helping to make his Fulham dream come true.
The Stark’s Park wonderkid is preparing for a switch to Craven Cottage in June after a £150,000 deal for the precocious forward was thrashed out in February.
The move caps an incredible rise from the Fife Elite Football Academy to the English Championship giants in the space of a whirlwind 18 months, with Bowie already boasting 10 goals in 39 games for the Fifers.
And he credits McGlynn for his progress, hailing the Raith gaffer for handing him a firstteam debut against Montrose in February 2019 at just 16 and showing faith in him ever since.
“My progress has been down to the manager and his willingness to put me in the team, work with me and help me improve my game every day,” said Bowie.
“He was brave enough to give me a chance in the team at 16 years old, which not all managers would.
“The gaffer has high standards that he wants me to meet, he knows how well I could do in the game, so it all comes from wanting me to reach my potential. I owe him a lot.”
Bowie, meanwhile, admits he will be devastated if he never gets the opportunity to kick a ball for Rovers again due to the coronavirus crisis.
“If I don’t play for Raith Rovers again, this would be a rubbish way to end things,” he added. “I owe the club so much and I wanted to finish on a real high by winning the league and lifting that trophy.
“We would have had the (Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge) cup final on Saturday there as well.
“It’s disappointing for myself and the rest of the boys, but more so for the fans. These big matches and occasions are for them and it’s a shame they are missing out.”