Raith Rovers: New manager Dougie Imrie wants to 'get Stark's Park rocking'

The 42-year-old Lanark-born former Hamilton Accies winger, who had been in charge at Cappielow for four years, agreed terms on a two-and-a-half-year contract with Raith on Monday night with compensation being agreed between the two clubs.

Imrie said: “I’m seriously delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get started.

"The ambition of the board and the supporters was clear from the first conversation.

"I know the squad, I know the league, and I want to get this group believing and achieving again.

"My aim is to reconnect the club and the supporters, play with intensity, and get this team winning games again.

"I want to get this place rocking."

Raith revealed that Imrie’s appointment came after an “extensive process” during which he emerged as the “outstanding candidate”.

Raith posted: “He (Imrie) showed real passion and a clear understanding of our squad and ambitions, outlining how he plans to build on the strong foundations already in place while implementing his own ideas.

"Few managers know the league better than Dougie, and he presented a clear plan for taking our team forward.

"We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Morton for their co-operation in getting the deal finalised.”

Imrie’s assistant gaffer at Raith has been named as Andy Millen, his long running number two whose partnership with Imrie came to an end in May when Morton refused to renew his contract.

Former defender Millen, 60, made 18 playing appearances for Raith back in 1997 and his son Ross, 31, also starred at Stark’s Park from 2022 to 2024.

Imrie’s arrival sees him replace Barry Robson – sacked earlier this month – in the Rovers dugout and brings to an end to defender Paul Hanlon’s brief two-game tenure in charge as interim boss.

Raith chairman Colin Smart added: “From the moment we began our discussions, it was clear that Dougie was the standout candidate to take this club forward. His drive, ambition, and energy along with his CV aligned with our vision in what we want Raith Rovers to be.

"We’re delighted to welcome Dougie and his assistant, Andy Millen, to Stark’s Park and we’re all looking forward to working closely with them in the months and years ahead.

"I’d also like to place on record our sincere thanks to Paul Hanlon and John Potter for their professionalism and leadership over the past two weeks in guiding the team through an important spell.”

Raith are currently sixth in the Championship table with 19 points from 16 matches, which leaves them four points below the play-off positions.

They get a break from league duty this Saturday as they host Alloa Athletic in the Scottish Cup third round in a 3pm kick-off.