Rovers vice-chairman urges fans to get behind teams

RAITH ROVERS vicechairman Turnbull Hutton has issued a rallying call to supporters of all clubs to get behind their teams to help the Scottish game thrive this season.

The Kirkcaldy club, perhaps more than others, have been praised for their stance on the newco Rangers issue, with Hutton particularly vociferous over the last few weeks about how the situation has been handled.

That approach has gained support from various quarters, with Aberdeen fans raising cash to sponsor Rovers mascot Roary Rover, Hearts fans understood to have bought dozens of season tickets, and Celtic fans starting a campaign to try to make Raith’s home game with Hamilton on August 11 as busy as possible.

Fans attendingArbroath’s friendly with Aberdeen at the weekend were even pictured with a banner proclaiming: “WeAreAllTurnbull Hutton.”

The Rovers director now hopes everyone can draw a line under what has been a sorry chapter for Scottish football in general and is looking forward to the future.

“This has been a trying few weeks for all clubs within Scottish football, and it is now time to move forward together for the good of the game,” he said.

“More than ever, clubs like Raith Rovers need our home support to turn up for our matches.

“This coming season will be crucial for fans everywhere to get behind their respective teams and demonstrate that the game does indeed have a vibrant future.

“This club is determined to play its part in helping engineer the proper structures and rewards that need to then be fairly distributed across our national game.

“All the ideas are already there, it now just requires the proper meeting of minds, a sense of fair play, proper communication and, above all, trust between individuals and organisations, to effect the necessary changes.”

Hutton also described the public’s response to his outspoken comments as a “bit overwhelming”.

“We, as a club, have benefited in a number of ways from having spoken out and making our position clear on a number of issues,” Hutton said. Like other clubs, we were the subject of targeted circular letters from fans groups and other interested parties giving us their views on what was required to be done within Scottish Football.

“In addition, however, our clear stand struck a chord elsewhere — we suddenly found football fans both in this country and overseas, making tangible contributions in a variety of innovative ways.

“We therefore look forward to welcoming all fans — supporters or otherwise — to Kirkcaldy this season.”