Tribute paid to former Raith Rovers star Jake Bolton

He passed away on Monday (February 22) at the age of 79.

Bolton played for Rovers in two separate spells.

“Jake”, as he was affectionately known, was born in Lesmahagow in October 1941.

He signed for Raith Rovers on the February 15, 1961 from Sauchie Juveniles.

He made his first team debut on Saturday, December 29 1962 in a 2-1 defeat away at Cathkin Park to Third Lanark.

He immediately formed a successful centre back partnership with another youngster, Frank Burrows.

After only 22 appearances for Raith Rovers, Bolton was sold to Ipswich Town in May 1963.

He moved to Suffolk around the same time that Ipswich signed the Rovers’ goalkeeper Jim Thorburn.

Bolton spent two seasons with Ipswich Town, playing 69 times, having been signed by the English International and Newcastle United legend, Jackie Milburn.

After his spell in English Football, he returned north and signed for Greenock Morton FC for season 1966-67.

Morton won the Scottish Second Division with Raith Rovers finishing runners-up, Bolton making 18 appearances for the champions.

In June 1967, he returned to Stark’s Park to help the Rovers’ first campaign back in the old Scottish First Division.

Tommy Walker brought him back to the club and he would go on to play a further 92 games for Raith Rovers, scoring two goals.

In September 1970, Jake was sold to Dumbarton for a fee of £5,000.

Recently, Bolton had appeared as a Rovers’ legend at the Hall Of Fame evenings and also attended the popular Rovers’ Down South dinners.

In total he made 114 appearances for Raith, scoring two goals.

A spokesman for Raith Rovers said: “We are all saddened to learn of the passing of former player John "Jake" Bolton.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”