Bowie fee will help Rovers in battle

Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn insists the money from Kieron Bowie’s £150,000 switch to Fulham will be vital for the club in trying to survive the coronavirus crisis.

The highly-rated striker will make the switch to the English Championship outfit this summer after agreeing a precontract with the Cottagers in February.

Bowie notched 10 goals to help Rovers be crowned champions in the curtailed League One and it was his impressive all-round performances in 35 outings that led to McGlynn selecting the 17-year-old as the club’s young player of the year.

And McGlynn reckons everyone at Stark’s Park is grateful for what the teenager has done for the team – both on and off the pitch – as Rovers continue to wrestle with the financial strain caused by the pandemic.

McGlynn said: “I’m delighted he’s got a move to Fulham and bringing very much needed money into the club, there is absolutely no doubt about it.

“That will be a big help to the board of directors and the club in general.

“Kieron won the award last season and I’ve got to say if anything he just got better and better.

“To start his first full season in football at the age of 16 and to get 10 goals, for someone so young and to have caused so may defences so many problems. He certainly produced some great performances and scored some great goals.

“We ended up with more scouts in the stands than have been at Stark’s Park for many a long day. It was always because of the way Kieron was playing and word got about.

“Congratulations on your award, it’s very much well deserved.”

Raith broadcast footage of their pre-recorded awards ceremony on YouTube on Saturday evening.

Former Celtic trainee Regan Hendry was named manager and supporters’ player of the year, while Kieran MacDonald collected the players’ player of the year prize.