From Kent to Kirkcaldy: Ugwu is sold on Raith Rovers manager’s vision

The 27-year-old forward made the long journey north from Kent to Kirkcaldy after speaking with manager John McGlynn and he says he turned down other clubs to sign on at Stark’s Park after being impressed with the gaffer’s plans.

“My contract was up at the end of the season,” he says, “On a personal note I’d had a good season scoring 15 goals but Ebbsfleet were relegated on the points-per-game system.

“They wanted to keep me there but I didn’t think it was the right move for me at the current time.

“I had quite a few options but what did it for me in coming to Raith was when I spoke to the manager and he explained the way he likes to play and hearing his plans.

“It was a very positive chat and I thought he was someone that I would definitely want to work with.

“And obviously with the team coming up from last season it’s a team with momentum and I wanted to be a part of that.

“It’s quite a big move and I definitely had to think about it but I looked at it as a very big opportunity and something that I wanted to do.”

The Scottish game is nothing new to the big hit man after he played half a season at a certain other Fife team situated not too far from the Lang Toun.

“Yeah, but I don’t know if I should talk about that!” he says.

“I’ve played up here before with Dunfermline so it’s nothing that is new to me.

“I know how it is and I know how games can be physically and things like that.

“I’ve done it before so I can definitely do it again.”

As with all other footballer Ugwu had to his best during lockdown to keep on top of his game, both mentally and physically, and says he’s now relieved to be back in training.

“Everything was made ten times more difficult during lockdown. It’s been an unusual time but I did what I could to stay on top of fitness whilst staying safe, which is of course the most important thing.

“I just tried to concentrate on the things I could affect like staying fit and staying safe.

“I wasn’t too worried about the football side because as soon as the season finished there were options there. That sort of thing takes care of itself.

“It was more me staying on top of my fitness and now I’m just itching to get back and start playing.

“You just want to get out there and hit the ground running. The gaffer’s been keeping an eye on training so it’s now just about getting fit,, being ready when the games come and giving it your all.

Now having been put through his paces on the park at Pratt Street, Ugwu says he is impressed with what he has seen from his new team mates.

“It’s a very talented squad. It’s one that can play different types of football and there’s great camaraderie as well.

“And that’s not just the players, it’s the backroom staff and the general staff - everyone is close-knit and friendly towards each other and I really like that.”

With the season scheduled to begin next month, Ugwu says he’s looking forward to pitting his wits in the Championship.

He said: “There’s obviously a lot of big teams in this league. You’ve got Hearts there and Dundee as well, but in saying that, it doesn’t mean it’s a given for anyone.

“It’s going to be tough for every team so for us, it’s just about sticking to what we know how to do and look to focus on ourselves and do it right.

“There’s no way it’s going to be easy, but it’s definitely something we’re all relishing.”