Raith Rovers are deserving champs says captain Bendictus

Rovers were crowned champions after the SPFL Resolution to end the season was voted through, pipping second-placed Falkirk by just one point.

The defender said it wasn’t an ideal end to the season, but insists Rovers were worthy winners.

“All the players, staff and fans would have liked to have done it the right way at the end of the season but, due to circumstances, it wasn’t meant to be,” he said.

“We were top out of 22 of the 28 weeks, though. I think that justifies it and I think they made the right decision.”

Looking back, ‘Bene’ says there was a confidence within the Stark’s Park dressing room that they could win promotion.

“I think the manager and his assistant, Paul Smith, brought in a lot of good players. After pre-season all the boys were fit and I think you could see that.

“I think it’s the best spirit I’ve ever encountered in a dressing room since I started playing.

“We trust each other and we work hard in training every day. I think from day one we knew we had a chance. We thought if we did what we knew we were good at things would work out.

“Altogether we had a confidence and belief and it worked.”

One of the highlights of the years for Benedictus was seeing the introduction of young players to the team.

“You saw that with Kieron Bowie, Dylan Tait and Jack Smith. There’s an gradual build up of young players and that’s good for the club.

“It’s been a great season and I think all the boys would back me up here by saying we didn’t want it to end.

“Anyone that’s here next season is going to have a big part to play in the Championship because I think if you take Dundee United out of that league, it’s anyone’s to take.

“If you give yourself a good start you never know where you might end up next year.”

He added: “It’s going to be a really good league.”