Fans’ groups provide cash boost for Raith

Timely financial contribution as Fife side go weeks without home clash

Raith Rovers have received a big boost thanks to a cash injection from three fans’ groups.

The Kirkcaldy club have been operating under severe financial pressure recently with their last Saturday 3pm home game away back on October 15 against Hibs.

Last month, they only had one match at Stark’s Park, a Tuesday night fixture against Ayr United that attracted just 1,241 fans through the turnstiles.

All those factors have severely affected Raith’s cash flow but now, fans have made a timely financial contribution to help ease those problems.

The club’s chief executive officer Eric Drysdale said in a statement: “The board of directors would like to thank three supporters’ organisations for their generous financial support to the club at a time where cash flow has been badly affected by fixture postponements and reschedulings.

“With the club not having had a Saturday 3pm home match since October 15 and the next one not due until December 17, and with other matches being switched to unpopular times due to TV scheduling, the club is in the middle of a two-month period where income is well down on forecast.

“Supporters’ groups didn’t even wait to be asked for help by the board, they understood our difficulties and independently decided to make contributions that will make a real difference to their football club.

“It’s testimony to the strong relationship that exists between these organisations and the board that they have not hesitated to offer financial support to help get us through a difficult period.”

Drysdale added: “Last Tuesday the Jim McMillan Club handed over a cheque for £4,000 and this week the 200 Club has donated a further £5,000.

“The Raith Trust have also advised they will donate £5,000 later this week.

“In addition to this, the official supporters’ club continues to offer all the support it can through volunteers on match days and assistance with all manner of activities behind the scenes, while the Roary Club for the next generation of fans continues to flourish with over 500 members enjoying becoming part of the future of Rovers.

“Thank you again to all supporter organisations for their loyal involvement with RRFC.”

Supporters’ groups didn’t even wait to be asked for help by the board. ERIC DRYSDALE