Raith Rovers: Legendary, record breaking cup winner linked with manager's job
A cup-winning legend who in 1995 earned Raith Rovers the club’s biggest ever transfer fee received for a player has been strongly linked with getting the vacant manager’s role on a permanent basis.
Former Rovers right-back Stephen McAnespie, 53, famously part of the squad which won the Coca-Cola Cup in 1994 with a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Celtic following a 2-2 draw after extra-time at Ibrox, is said to be willing to uproot himself after 20 years in the USA to make a return to Kirkcaldy.
Our sister paper The Scotsman is reporting that McAnespie, who made 40 league appearances for Raith between 1994 and 1995, is a candidate to take over.
McAnespie has built a stellar coaching reputation in the United States, where he moved towards the end of his playing career.
The Kilmarnock-born former defender was sold to Bolton for that club record fee of £900,000 30 years ago.
He is currently head of coach education at Baton Rouge Soccer Club, Louisiana. The club has an MLS academy with 11,000 young players in their programmes.
McAnespie has been settled in Louisiana for over 20 years and has previously been linked with jobs in England with clubs who have ties to American ownership.
However, he has always had a close affinity with the club where he made his name – and would consider a return to Fife under the right circumstances.
Defender Paul Hanlon took interim charge of Raith’s 3-0 home defeat to Airdrieonians last Saturday after the sacking of Barry Robson following a poor run which saw Rovers take just four points from six league games.
On their hunt for a manager, Raith’s board said: “Work is well underway to identify the right candidate to lead Raith Rovers through this important phase of the club’s growth.
"We recognise that recent performances and results have fallen below expectations.
"However, we have full confidence in the quality and potential of our squad to compete at the top end of the Championship under the right leadership.
"We want to make it clear that we will not rush the appointment of our next manager.
"A thorough recruitment process is already underway, and we are carefully working through our shortlist with multiple stages of research, interviews, and due diligence.”
Seventh-placed Rovers continue their league season at Arbroath this Saturday.