Forward Grant Anderson winging his way to Kelty Hearts after second spell at Raith Rovers

Grant Anderson celebrating winning the League 1 trophy earlier this year. Photo: Fife Photo Agency

Winger Grant Anderson has quit Raith Rovers but he won’t be leaving Fife, having signed for Lowland League side Kelty Hearts.

The 34-year-old has headed west to the fifth-tier team after notching up almost 200 appearances during two stints at Stark’s Park, from 2012 to 2016 and from June last year to now.

A spokesperson for Raith said: “The club wish Grant all the very best for his future career and thank him in the highest possible terms for his years of service to the club.

"Grant has always been the consummate professional, and club officials and fans have always warmed to the way he goes about his job on the pitch and around the club and community.”

His playing career started off in junior football at Kirkintilloch Rob Roy before moving up to the senior game with Stenhousemuir.

A year-long switch to Hamilton Academical followed from June 2011, including a loan spell back at Stenny, before John McGlynn signed him up for Rovers, though his new boss left for Hearts shortly afterwards to be replaced by Grant Murray.

Anderson got off to a memorable start at Rovers, scoring a 20-yard shot on his competitive debut in a 4-2 victory over Wick Academy in the first round of the Ramsdens Challenge Cup in July 2012, one of six goals he netted that season.

His second season at the club included an equally memorable 3-2 victory at Easter Road in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup decided by a backward header from Anderson. That season also witnessed Rovers beating Rangers 1-0 in the final of the Ramsdens Cup

Season number three, 2014-15, saw Grant make 41 appearances and score four goals, among those games being a 2-1 win against Rangers in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox.

In his fourth season, he played 38 times, scoring three goals, including the winner against Elgin City in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

Following his departure first time round, Anderson signed for Queen of the South in June 2016 but moved on to Peterhead halfway through the season before signing for Stranraer in June 2017.

During his second spell at Stark’s Park, Anderson made 40 appearances, scoring eight goals.

A Kelty Hearts spokesperson added: “Grant will give the squad another dynamic presence in forward areas. Welcome to the club, Grant.”