Raith Rovers' John Robertson on Dougie Imrie's reaction to 'early reveal' of his transfer
Typically, incoming transfers at Raith Rovers are kept under wraps until officially confirmed by the club, but summer arrival John Robertson let the cat out of the bag early by announcing that he was moving to Stark's Park on a two-year pre-contract agreement during an on stage interview with Sky Sports, after picking up the League Two Player of the Year prize at the recent PFA Scotland awards at Hilton Glasgow.
Robertson, 24, was hot property having scored an SPFL season-high total of 32 goals in 45 appearances for League Two champions East Kilbride, excellent form which had seen him linked with a move to a bigger club for several weeks before he unveiled the news himself when speaking to Gordon Duncan on May 3.
But – speaking to Raith TV – the former St Johnstone, Edinburgh City and Linfield striker said: "I actually apologised to the gaffer (about mentioning he’d signed for Raith Rovers).
"It was a bit of a nightmare but he said: 'I love it, don't worry about it'.
"To be honest with you, when I won the award I was just happy and in high spirits.
"I was getting pestered a wee bit off the interviewer so I just thought I was just going to say it.
"It (receiving the award) was a bit nerve-racking.
"I've never actually been up in front of people like that.
"You don't realise who's there until you get on the stage. Steve Clarke (Scotland manager) was there.
"It was obviously good to get acknowledged by my peers, it was brilliant."
When asked if he thought he had left his push for a place in Scotland's squad for this summer's world cup too late, Robertson joked: "I don't know, don't speak too soon!"
Despite the fact that he’s only just joined Raith Rovers and will only get the chance to play for the Stark’s Parkers for the first time when the pre-season friendly matches begin this summer, Robertson is already well known to the Kirkcaldy club’s fans having netted a stunning hat-trick when East Kilbride shocked Rovers 4-2 at the stadium in a Premier Sports Cup group tie last July.
Raith – at the time managed by Barry Robson – led 2-1 after 89 minutes but an unbelievable finish to the game saw the side from two divisions lower sensationally win it via a last gasp treble salvo.
He shot home from the edge of the box to level, before netting a penalty and then completing his hat-trick following a breakaway.
"I didn't think I was actually great in the game up until the last five minutes then I scored a hat-trick,” Robertson said. “The Raith fans were brilliant that day. It was actually a good day in general for me, but it was good to have a look around the club.
"Most fanbases hate me to be honest with yu because I am a bit of a wind up merchant.
"But I didn't get that from the Raith fans. I can't wait to get going and actually see them outside there.
"I've always been set on Raith. Nothing was going to change my mind. As soon as I've seen a contract that was it for me.
"I'm looking forward to scoring some goals hopefully.