Raith Rovers: Why Callum Fordyce and Lewis Stevenson have decided to stay

Both players were going out of contract at Rovers this summer, but have now committed their immediate futures to the Kirkcaldy outfit.

Fordyce, 33, excellent after coming back into the team recently following months out with a shoulder injury, said: “I’m delighted to sign a new contract.

"It was a no-brainer after speaking to the manager a few weeks back, so I’m delighted to finally get it announced and I’m over the moon to get going again next season.

"Getting back on the pitch after being out for so long has been brilliant.

“Winning a cup for the club with such a special group of players was a great achievement.

"It gives you that extra hunger to push on next season, try to replicate that success and aim for promotion.

"It’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to and I’ll do everything I can to try and help the club achieve its goals.”

Fordyce, the former Airdrieonians player/assistant-manager, has made 45 appearances for Raith across the past two campaigns, scoring three times.

Also staying on at Stark’s Park is his defensive mate Stevenson, 38, a Hibernian legend with 600 appearances for the Easter Road outfit between 2005 and 2024 who is the only player in Hibs’ history to have won both the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup while with the club.

The left-back, who has been with hometown club Raith since 2024, has made 77 appearances for Rovers since then, scoring two goals and providing six assists.

He said: “As soon as Raith showed an interest in signing me, it was what my heart was set on.

"I love being here, I’ve loved every minute, even through the tough times.

"I want to be successful. Having won the cup (KDM Evolution Trophy) I think the play-offs are the least we can aim for next season.

"It’s a lot of change on and off the pitch, but it’s exciting times and hopefully the fans get behind us and see what we’re doing.

"As long as I’m fit, I’m going to give absolutely everything I have to this football club.”