Duggan can bring new dimension to Raith attack

The Australian finalised his move from Bayview this week, with the contract paperwork completed via email due to the 24-year-old currently spending the close season in his homeland.

After fending off interest from elsewhere, Smith is delighted to have secured the signature of the striker who bagged 15 goals in League One last season for the Methil men.

“I worked with Chris at East Fife for half a season and having watched him a few times the season past, he certanly brings a better dimension to what we’ve got here,” Smith said.

“He brings everything to the table.

“He’s strong, he scores goals, and has good link-up in terms of holding the ball up and getting in the box to score goals.

“He scores lots of different types of goal and given the opportunity he’s capable of spectacular strikes.

“On top of that, he’ll bring a real physical presence, but knowing how to use it.”

Duggan started his career in the U20s at Partick Thistle and despite failing to make the first team at Firhill, he has since become a proven goalscorer at lower league level, particularly at his previous two clubs, Queen’s Park and East Fife.

Smith, however, reckons his new recruit has the potential to become even more prolific at the Kirkcaldy club.

“Fifteen goals last season is a good return for having largely played as a sole striker,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ll create a lot more chances, which will boost his goal return.

“He’s been brought up through the Partick Thistle system so he has got a good background, coached well, and had a couple of seasons finding his feet again.

“Last season proved how valuable he was to East Fife and how vaulable he could be to us in the coming season.”

Duggan’s form at Bayview attracted interest from rival clubs, however the forward showed a willingess to join up with his former boss at Stark’s Park.

Smith explained: “He could quite easily have went to a part-time club that was offering similar money to us, but he chose to come here because he believes he’s coming to a club that is looking to go in the right direction, and that seems a good fit for him at this present time.”

Duggan will join Liam Buchanan and Lewis Vaughan, who were already under contract, in the competition for places up front next season.

The Raith boss confirmed he is also looking to add a fourth striker to his squad, revealing: “We’ll be trying to add one other striker that will be a different dimension again, and we’re in advanced talks.”