McGlynn encouraged by summer progress
Allan Walker (right) shakes hands with Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn on a new one-year contract. Pic: Tony Fimister
RAITH Rovers manager John McGlynn has declared himself ‘very encouraged’ by the progress he has made since the end of the season.
There were fears of a player exodus when the club confirmed it was reverting to a mix of full-time and part-time football next season.
But a recent spate of signings means the Raith boss has only lost one player he wanted to retain, with top scorer John Baird moving to Dundee.
The rest have all re-signed – except for midfielder Iain Davidson – who is still keeping his options open in the hope of a big move.
McGlynn told the Press: “From where we were after the Morton game, and the doom and gloom surrounding initial contract talks, I think we can now see some light at the end of the tunnel.
Irons
“I’m very encouraged by the squad we’re putting together – we’re probably in a better position than some thought we would be at this stage.
“There’s a good core of last season’s team returning – and I’ve got a few irons in the fire.”
McGlynn revealed that the capture of right back Jason Thomson, who was released from Hearts after ending last season on loan at Raith, completes his defence.
“I never thought for one minute when Jason came here on loan that we would be in a position to sign him,” McGlynn said.
“I thought he would have been snapped up. He played in the final 11 games of the season and was exceptional in every one of them.
Asset
“He’ll be a massive asset to the football club, and that’s our defence sown up.”
Another of last season’s loan players, striker Pat Clarke, has also signed up for next season following his release from Dunfermline.
Midfielder Allan Walker, who was initially offered a part-time deal, also put pen to paper this week after the club returned to the table with an improved full-time contract offer.
McGlynn departs the country for a two week break in America this Saturday, but he has more business to conclude.
“I’m looking to bring in one more striker, and I need to fill in the gaps in midfield,” he said.
“It’s a difficult time now with managers and players going on holiday, but if I’ve still got one or two players to sign when I come back, I can handle that.”
McGlynn has not yet given up hope of re-signing Davidson, but admitted the player could be destined for bigger things.
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Monday 20 May 2013
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