New Raith boss Hughes relishing challenge at 'fantastic' club

John Hughes unveiled as the new Raith Rovers manager. Pic: George McLuskie

The 52-year-old was unveiled as Gary Locke's replacement at a media conference held at Stark's Park this afternoon.

Hughes has been out of the game since leaving Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the end of last season, and is looking forward to a new challenge.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be at a fantastic club like Raith Rovers," he said.

"Through my playing and managerial career I've always enjoyed coming over to Fife - they are good people and made of the right stuff.

"When I started talking to Eric (Drysdale) and the chairman you could see the love they have for their club. That really stuck with me.

"The welcome I've had over the past day has been fantastic and I can't wait to get started.

"I've been out the game for a while, but it's the right time, and the right fit."

Hughes led Falkirk to the First Division title in 2004-05 and also guided Inverness to their first major silverware, lifting the Scottish Cup in 2015, which also resulted in him being named the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year that season.

The former centre-half, who has also bossed Hibs, Hartlepool and Livingston, takes over a struggling Raith side, currently sitting third bottom of the Championship after run of six straight defeats, and 14 matches without a victory.

Rovers moved swifty to get their man, making the appointment just 48 hours after parting ways with Locke, and chief executive Eric Drysdale believes the club has got the right man.

"We're absolutely delighted to secure the services of John Hughes for the remainder of this season," he said.

"John is an extremely experienced manager and we feel confident that he will be able to help us improve our league position, and start to take the club forward.

"It's been a whirlwind couple of days since I first spoke to his agent, and it's been a very easy process to persuade Yogi to join us.

"It's a great fit for both the club and for John in the situation he is in at the moment, and we look forward to working together to try and turn the performances and results around."

Hughes first match in charge will be against former club Hibernian at Stark's Park a week tomorrow.

The Press understands that former Raith, Hibs and Dundee midfielder Kevin McBride is being lined up as his number two.