The club's wall of silence over the identities of the duo, who are believed to have signed contracts but are not yet confirmed Rovers players with the SFA, stood firm this week.

Speculation has run wild over who the players – known to be a midfielder and a forward – could be with internet rumours linking the club with several names.

While most are wide of the mark, SportsPress understands that one of the players linked with a move to Stark's Park, Brechin City captain Darren Smith, has been a target for Rovers boss John McGlynn.

Sources close to Brechin suggest that the out of contract player, who starred at left midfield for the Glebe Park side, has been interesting both Raith and Ayr United.

With McGlynn on a family holiday in Portugal this week, club chairman Dave Somerville remained tight-lipped when quizzed about new players.

He said: "We can't say any more other than that we hope to announce new signings sometime within the next week if everything goes as we would like."

SportsPress also understands that Raith are keen to bring Dunfermline winger Iain Williamson back to Stark's Park, but the player is currently on holiday.
Williamson proved a hit in his loan spell in Kirkcaldy during the title run-in, featuring in most matches as Rovers went on an eight-game winning run to lift the Second Division title.

The 21-year-old has been released by the Pars, and is understood to be weighing up his options.

However, one player Rovers have missed out on is Stirling Albion striker Martin Grehan, who has turned down a deal with the Kirkcaldy side.

Despite the offer of both First Division and full-time football at Stark's Park, the forward has opted to stay part-time in the Second Division at Forthbank.

Grehan first appeared on Rovers' radar whilst playing junior football in Cardenden with Dundonald Bluebell, but Motherwell were first to offer the player a route into senior football.

The Fifer failed to make it in the SPL but has found his scoring touch at Stirling and finished third top scorer in the Second Division last season with 12 goals.

New strip sponsor

RAITH Rovers can celebrate with a drink ... after tying up the town's newest bar as its next shirt sponsor.

The club this week confirmed that O'Connell's Bar & Diner, situated on Kirkcaldy High Street, will be the main shirt sponsor for the 2009-2010 campaign.

The new strip, designed by Puma, will feature the bar's logo and will see the club revert back to a predominantly navy blue design after last season's blue and white split marked the club's 125th anniversary.

Dennis O'Connell recently launched his new premises, and was keen to back up this investment by strengthening his support of Raith Rovers.

"O'Connell's is already proving a popular venue for eating and for social gatherings on Kirkcaldy High Street", he said.

"But I was keen to spread the word about the High Street area coming alive again.

"With Raith enjoying a growing support, I hope both businesses can be good for each other in the year ahead."

John Drysdale, Rovers commercial manager, added: "With the football club back in the first division, it is important that we consolidate our position and maximise the support we enjoy from local businesses. O'Connell's is leading by example, having agreed the shirt deal.

"We all hope that many other local companies follow this lead by sponsoring us and supporting the club's efforts to establish itself at the higher level."

The new strip is not yet available to buy, with Rovers awaiting confirmation from Puma over release dates. SportsPress understands the away strip will revert to traditional red.