Latest news with #Raith
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts youngster handed new deal after impressing under former Celtic star at Championship club
Hearts have announced they have handed a new deal to one of their brightest prospects. Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hearts have rewarded young midfielder Finlay Pollock for his progression over the last year with a new contract. The Scotland Under-19 international has made eight senior appearances for the club and scored his maiden first-team goal in a League Cup win against Stirling Albion in July 2021. After spending time on loan with East Fife during the second half of the same season, Pollock enjoyed another productive stint away from Tynecastle last season as he joined Championship club Raith Rovers on a season-long deal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A return of six goals in 25 appearances was enough to see Pollock named as the club's young player of the year - although his season was curtailed by an injury suffered in a win against Ayr United. However, he will now return to Tynecastle this summer and will hope to force his way into the Hearts side under new manager Derek McInnes after impressing working under former Celtic and Scotland midfielder Barry Robson during his time with Raith. Pollock was not the only Hearts youngster to commit to the club this week after B Team prospect Gus Stevenson put pen-to-paper on a one-year contract extension. The versatile youngster has made 43 appearances over the last two seasons and his impact has been praised by B Team head coach Angus Beith. He said: 'We're delighted that Gus has extended his contract by a further year. He is someone who has a strong passion for the game which, as a coach, makes him a joy to work with. Gus had to deal with some unity setbacks last season which hampered his consistency and game minutes. However, with his attitude and willingness to improve, alongside his exciting qualities, we are confident that Gus can thrive next season, with the support and challenge of all the coaching staff." What have Hearts said about Finlay Pollock's new contract? Raith's Finlay Pollock was named the Kirkcaldy club's Young Player of the Year (Pic by Ross Parker/SNS Group) A club statement released on Thursday read: 'The club is pleased to announce that Finlay Pollock has signed a one-year contract extension, taking his current deal to the summer of 2027. A product of the Hearts Academy, Finlay signed his first professional contract with the club in 2021, shortly after making his first team debut against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Tynecastle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Injuries robbed the attacker of valuable game time in the campaigns that followed, but season 24/25 saw Pollock return to form in fine fashion. Having begun the season impressing in the Lowland League with Hearts B, the 21-year-old made the move to Raith Rovers on loan in September. Under Rovers' boss Barry Robson, Pollock found himself in a new role, playing as a central striker, using his pace to stretch defences and with the coaching of former Jambo Colin Cameron, Finlay hit form, scoring six goals as the Stark's Park side pushed for the playoffs. 'It was a frustrating end to the season for Pollock, who missed the final four matches of the season due to a hamstring injury sustained in a victory over Ayr United. That didn't stop Finlay from picking up Rovers' Young Player of the Year Award at their end of season awards and he now puts pen to paper on an extra 12 months in Gorgie as he continues his recovery.' Your next Hearts read: Tony Bloom Hearts investment proposal takes latest step as timeline for completion emerges
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘So far no official proposal has been sent' – Inside Rangers link-up with SPFL Championship side as hold-up revealed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RAITH ROVERS have confirmed that Rangers have made an approach over a partnership involving loan players. It is after the Scottish FA passed more flexible rules for under-21 Scottish players to move between clubs under the new 'cooperation system'. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 3 Rangers look set to link-up with Raith Rovers under the new cooperation system Credit: Andrew Barr 3 Ex-Rangers man Nils Koppen was leading the talks Credit: Willie Vass 3 But talks have stalled now that Rangers are under new ownership,and Koppen finds himself out of a job Credit: PA And under the initiative Rangers proposed a tie-up with the Championship club. But that was before Rangers technical director Nils Koppen left Ibrox and the club's takeover. And Raith director Ruaridh Kilgour admits Raith are waiting to find out if Rangers will get back in touch. He said: 'It's not kind of one of [technical director] John Potter's priorities right now. 'There's a lot of other things going on, like just basically building a squad through the transfer window. 'But completely out of the blue, Rangers contacted John and asked him to go for a meeting at Murray Park with Nils Koppen, the then technical director. 'They said that they'd pinpointed Raith Rovers as someone they would like to have a partnership with to develop their young players. 'They then came to Stark's Park the week after to have a look around and see what the facilities are like, which again they were really impressed with. 'The way it was left was that we asked them to come up with a proposal of what this could look like. 'They saw this as something where they could potentially send us other players. Rangers fans react to news Russell Martin is their new manager "So players who are maybe a bit older than 21 and also players who weren't Scottish. 'It was left with Rangers to draw up a proposal. "As an overall update, no official proposal has been sent, Rangers have gone through a takeover and Nils is no longer there and nothing has happened in the last three or four weeks.' And Kilgour insists Raith will only enter into a partnership if it is right for them and their fans. He added: "The way we will then approach this is decided on three factors. 'Number one will be a football factor where Barry [Robson] and John would make a decision based purely on the playing side of it. 'We as a board would make a financial decision on it about how this can help us with our budget, in terms of what the cost would be to bring in these players – or maybe they would be free, who knows. 'And then finally – and most importantly – there'd be a kind of brand perspective where we would put it to supporters. 'Because this is one of those decisions where we feel supporters should be consulted. And the reason for that is we know that some supporters will not like the potential to be partnered with other clubs." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The Courier
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
Aidan Connolly to face Raith Rovers next season after joining Championship rivals
Freed Raith Rovers winger Aidan Connolly has re-signed for first club – and Championship rivals – Queen's Park. The 29-year-old departed Raith this summer after four years and has spoken of his frustrations at a lack of game-time towards the end of his spell in Kirkcaldy. However, despite loving his time at Stark's Park, he confessed it was time for a change of scene this summer. And the former fans' favourite could now come back to haunt Rovers after joining their second-tier competitors. Connolly began his career with the Spiders and famously left to join Dundee United with Andy Robertson in 2013. He has since enjoyed moves to Raith (twice), York City, Dunfermline and Falkirk before bringing his career back full circle this summer. He said: 'This is where I started in football and I can't wait to get started – or re-started! 'The memories came back when I took the call. It's a great club and it's come so far since I was here. 'There have been changes but I am more experienced myself too, played a lot of games in this division and know it well. 'I've learned from lows and highs and I'm just excited to get going with the club again.' Connolly scored 39 times in 177 appearances for Raith, including a prolific 15 goals in an impressive 2022/23 campaign. However, he started just 17 matches in the league as Rovers pushed for the title two seasons ago and made Barry Robson's chosen line-up just once in making eight league starts last term. It was clear the attacker was likely to move on this summer at the end of his contract and new Queen's Park boss Sean Crighton is thrilled to have moved in to snap him up. The former Airdrie, Livingston and Morton defender told his club's website: 'I'm absolutely delighted to have Aidan here at Queen's Park. He's a player who was in my mind as soon as I got the job and I was looking at. 'You do your homework on players who know this division and players you may have played against. I have played against Aidan in the past and he can be a tricky customer. 'He has very good experience now, which is something I mentioned I wanted in the building when I took the job. 'He's been here before, although not when The City Stadium (Lesser Hampden) or the club has looked like it does now. But I think that helps. 'I also said I wanted continuity and, though Aidan has left and come back, he knows the club, came through the system and knows what is expected. 'He can play a number of positions, which is something I was also looking for and the style of football I want to play will help him. And I think he'll help the players around him.'
The Courier
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
Aidan Connolly reflects on 4 years at Raith Rovers and reasons behind Stark's Park exit
Aidan Connolly has aired his Raith Rovers frustrations, despite admitting it was 'time to move on' this summer. The 29-year-old was freed by the Kirkcaldy club last month after spending the past four seasons at Stark's Park. With a previous four-month stint in Fife after leaving Dundee United in 2016, the winger has spent a significant chunk of his career at Raith. And he is not the kind of person to bad mouth anyone following his departure. However, his disappointments are clear after scoring 39 goals in 177 appearances across his two spells. 'I loved my time at Raith,' Connolly told Courier Sport. 'I had four years there and in the first two years I was getting the game-time I wanted. 'Then there were changes at the club a couple of years ago – and then I wasn't getting the game-time that I thought I deserved, at times. 'So, it was time to move on this summer. The club has changed a lot from above and that's just the way it goes sometimes. 'But there was a lot of good people there and I wish them all the best for next season.' His 15 goals in season 2022/23, when he started 33 league games, stands out as a high point. But making just one start under current Rovers boss Barry Robson tells its own tale. 'It's hard when you're not involved weekly and you just want to enjoy your football,' he added. 'It's hardest when you feel like you deserve opportunities and you aren't getting them. 'It is tough. Even the season when we were pushing for the title (2023/24), I felt I could have had more opportunities. 'The fans would hopefully know from watching last season, that whenever I came on or whenever I played I made an impact. 'There was a period where I scored two goals in two games and then started the next game. And then I never had one start the rest of the season. 'That's tough for me. But I'm moving on now and going on to better things, hopefully.' Raith lifted the SPFL Trust Trophy in 2022 in Connolly's first season at the club and then finished runners-up the following year. The Championship title and promotion play-off push of the next season also proved what the club is capable of. 'Overall, it's been a really successful time at Raith,' Connolly said. 'Although, personally, I wasn't playing all the time, as a team we were always doing well. 'We'll just see what happens now. You want to go somewhere where you're wanted.'
The Courier
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
The key numbers behind Raith Rovers' move for first summer signing Jai Rowe
Raith Rovers' first signing of the summer, Jai Rowe, has not come from the usual merry-go-round of players available in Scottish football. For a right-back, the recruit from England's National League has come from somewhat leftfield. The 23-year-old had been offered a new deal at former club Boston United, but has instead opted for a new challenge in the Scottish Championship. Courier Sport has taken a look at the numbers that have made the promising defender attractive to Raith. Rowe turns 24 on August 8 but has already packed a lot into his career. Starting out in first-team football with Barwell in England's seventh-tier at the age of just 16, he now has seven seasons under his belt. With three of those years spent in League Two, the full-back has built up a considerable amount of top-team experience for someone his age. Raith will be optimistic the Englishman can hit the ground running at Stark's Park. Rowe has penned a two-year deal with Rovers, and will welcome the stability after going summer to summer down south. Vice-captain Ross Matthews has signed on for just one more year and Callum Smith has agreed only six months as he completes his comeback from a serious knee injury. Previously, others have been handed only 12-month agreements and shorter. So, two years is an indication Raith do not see Rowe as much of a gamble and they expect him to make an impact not just next season but in 2026/27 as well. Rowe featured in 55 games for Boston last season – every single match they played. Of those 55 matches, incredibly he started 52, with his three substitute's outings coming in the league against York City, FC Halifax Town and AFC Fylde. He was Boston's most consistent performer, topping their appearance charts. With Raith having struggled with injuries and consistency at times last term, they will be hoping Rowe can continue being available and dependable. For a full-back, Rowe's goal-scoring statistics are impressive. He has netted 22 times over the course of his career so far, and comes north after his most prolific campaign. The versatile and athletic player was Boston's second-top scorer last season with nine goals in his 55 appearances. It is clear he will add something to Raith in attack as well as defence. Rovers will be hopeful Rowe provides the answer to what has become something of a problem position of late. Over the last two seasons, they have had four right-backs come and go without settling. Ross Millen was a regular but was frozen out due to a disagreement behind the scenes midway through season 2023/24. Since then, James Brown on loan from St Johnstone, ex-Dundee United defender Kieran Freeman and one-time Chelsea youngster Fankaty Dabo have failed to prove themselves a long-term fit on the right side of Raith's defence.
