Raith boss McGlynn sets his sights on play-off place

Raith Rovers boss John McGlynn says his side are focused on finishing the season in a play-off position.
John McGlynn gives his team talk before extra time against Livingston (Pic: Scott Louden)John McGlynn gives his team talk before extra time against Livingston (Pic: Scott Louden)
John McGlynn gives his team talk before extra time against Livingston (Pic: Scott Louden)

The Stark’s Park side have been in the top four throughout the 2020-21 season but although he acknowledges his team are in a healthy position, McGlynn says that with four games to go he won't take anything for granted until it’s mathematically assured.

“We're 11 points clear of Arbroath with four games to play and a far better goal difference, so they'd need four wins and we'd need to pick up nothing between now and the end of the season,” he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“All the teams are still playing each other, so they can't all take maximum points.

“We're sitting in second place. We're three points clear of Inverness, five points clear of Dunfermline, so a top-four finish is there for us.

“We've been there all season and we've come through the winter months and are now playing in better conditions in which we usually perform at our best, so we're in the mix and are looking to try and stay up there.”

As well as securing a top-four slot, Rovers go into their next two games against Arbroath at home on Saturday, then Queen of the South away, knowing that maximum points could put pressure on a stuttering Hearts side yet to wrap up the title.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We would need for them to really throw it away,” McGlynn said. “They're 11 points clear of us. They would need to lose all four of their last games and we would need to win all five of ours.

“It's not impossible, but I don't think you will get many people putting bets on that happening.

“I think Hearts will win the league. All the other teams in the league are very close, so that's why Hearts have got away with staying so far ahead.

“We've cut each other’s throats by all taking points off each other whilst Hearts have been the most consistent team.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s more than likely that they’ll win the league than us sneaking up.

“Ideally, we want to finish second because the benefits are huge in that you miss out on two games which would obviously have an effect on your team.

“It's much better if you can get a wee break in not playing those first two games. It's an advantage.

“These will be high-profile games which will take a lot out of the players, physically and mentally.”