No regrets over Raith pre-contract for '˜delighted' Bobby Barr

It is no secret that part of the 27-year-old winger’s decision to swap Championship rivals Morton for a move to Stark’s Park was the chance to link up again with his former Brechin City gaffer.

But with McKinnon leaving for Dundee United at the end of the season, and new boss Gary Locke taking charge at Raith, there may have been some second thoughts – from both sides.

However, that was never the case and both parties cemented their commitment to each other on Tuesday morning when Barr turned up at the stadium to meet the new boss, and officially put pen to paper on a two-year contract.

“I’m delighted to commit my future to Raith, and happy to be offered a two year deal,” Barr told the Press.

“It was a strange situation to be in when Ray left for Dundee United but he and Darren Taylor kept me posted about what was happening.

“Eric Drysdale at Raith also spoke to me and assured me that no matter who the manager was the club still wanted to sign me for two years, which was great to hear.

“I’d signed for Ray and was looking forward to working with him, Daz and Grant again - but things like that happen in football.

“It’s great that both parties kept their word - the club didn’t pull out, and I didn’t pull out – now I’m just looking forward to getting started.”

Barr met new Raith boss Gary Locke and assistant Darren Jackson for the first time this week and is looking forward to working with them.

“They seem like friendly guys,” he said.

“They said I would definitely be part of their plans and I’ve certainly no qualms about playing for them.

“I’m maybe not Gary’s signing but I still feel that the club want me and that I’m capable of doing well for the new manager.

“The good thing is, I’m in the same boat as everyone else in the squad.

“I need to get my fitness back in preseason and then push for a place in the team.”

At Morton, Barr was on the losing side against Raith on each of the four occasions he faced them last season - a record he hopes the club can repeat next season now that he has jumped ship.

“We were pretty close to each other in January, then Raith went on that run of 12 games unbeaten, which is great for this division,” he said.

“They just knew how to win games. We probably had the better of three of the four games but they took 12 points from us and that was the difference between them and Morton finishing fourth.

“They had a more experienced team, which they’ve kept the nucleus of, a solid back four and everyone knew their jobs. They were just hard to beat.

“I’m looking forward to meeting up with the boys - I’m sure they’ll be a great bunch - and hopefully we can be as successful as last season, or a wee bit better.”

The left-sided midfielder is also looking forward to joining up with namesake Craig Barr, a former team mate from their Livingston days.

“We’ve kept in touch and and although he’s been injured for a year and a half he told me the club have been great with him,” he said.

“I’ve never seen the training facilities but he also told me they are excellent.

“It feels like I’m coming to the right place to play football.”