Waterstones’ Q&A for Alex Penman as ex-Raith Rovers owner talks about his memoir
Former Raith Rovers chairman, Alex Penman, will be in the hot seat for a special Q&A to discuss his memoirs.
The property developer has published “Homes, Hooves & Half-Time Heroes”which looks back on his time at the club, his business legacy in Kirkcaldy, and his passion for horse racing.
He will be in conversation at Waterstones in the High Street on Tuesday evening (April 28), from 7:00pm. Tickets, which are free, from here.
Mr Penman was at the helm for Rovers’ greatest successes – promotion, Coca Cola Cup and a never to be forgotten journey into European football. He also delivered the two new stands to make the ground fit for Premier League football, and it all came, remarkably, within a very short period of time. His football legacy extends to hThe book also looks back at his housing developments which include Seafield, Deas Wharf and the site of the former Jackie O nightclub in Kirkcaldy - with new villas earmarked for the former DWP office in Victoria Road in his latest project.
And it celebrates his love of horse racing during which he has owned many horses and attended races across the UK.
Mr Penman explained: “I was talking with my wife over a glass of wine, telling stories - she said I should write a book. Before I knew it, she was checking out ghost writers to help out!
“It is something to look back on all I have done - my legacy, and something for my daughter and grandchildren, and anyone else interested.”
Mr Penman was a Rovers’ fan from his childhood days.
He joined the board at Rovers in October 1990, and it was his investment and support behind the scenes that led to the club’s greatest successes. Promotion was secured, the Coca Cola Cup was captured amid incredible scenes, and the new stands went up in record time.
With Stark’s Park fit for purpose off the pitch, the successes on it continued as the club took off on a remarkable European adventure and enjoyed full houses for the biggest Premier League games. In 2017, he was inducted into Raith Rovers’ Hall of Fame.
Away from football, his legacy can be seen across the Lang Toun with several major housing developments - he has built over 1000 homes in the town, Glenrothes, Leslie and beyond - with the demolition of the old DWP office, making way for 18 new villas.