Raith Rovers F.C. facts for kids
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| Full name | Raith Rovers Football Club | ||
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| Nickname(s) | The Rovers | ||
| Founded | 1883 | ||
| Ground | Stark's Park, Kirkcaldy | ||
| Capacity | 8,867 | ||
| Chairman | Steven MacDonald | ||
| Manager | Neill Collins | ||
| League | Scottish Championship | ||
| 2015–16 | Scottish Championship, 4th | ||
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Raith Rovers Football Club is a professional football team from Kirkcaldy, Fife, in Scotland. The club started in 1883. They play in the Scottish Championship, which is part of the Scottish Professional Football League.
Raith Rovers have won four big national trophies. These include the Scottish League Cup in 1994. They also won the Scottish Challenge Cup three times: in 2014, 2020, and 2022. The team has also been runners-up in the League Cup in 1949 and the Scottish Cup in 1913.
The club has won the second-highest league in Scottish football six times. They finished third in the top league in 1922, which is their best-ever league finish.
Winning the League Cup in 1994 meant Raith Rovers got to play in a European competition for the first time. They entered the UEFA Cup the next season. The team made it to the second round but lost to Bayern Munich, who later won the whole competition.
Raith Rovers play their home games at Stark's Park. This is an all-seater stadium in the south of Kirkcaldy. The club has been playing at this ground since 1891.
Contents
History of Raith Rovers Football Club
How Raith Rovers Started
The Raith Rovers club we know today began in 1883 in Kirkcaldy, Scotland. They first played at Sands Brae and then at Robbie's Park. Even though other local teams used the town's name, Raith became the most successful. They won five trophies in the 1890s.
The name "Raith" comes from an old word meaning "fort" or "fortified home." It was once a large area stretching near Kirkcaldy. Raith House and Raith Tower are still on Cormie Hill, west of Kirkcaldy. Many parts of the town are built on land that used to be part of the Raith Estate.
The club became a professional team in 1889. They had to leave Robbie's Park, which became part of a new public park. In 1891, the team moved to their current home, Stark's Park. This stadium was named after Robert Stark, a local councillor.
Raith Rovers became a professional club by 1892. They were the first football team in Fife to join the Scottish Football League in the 1902–03 season. In 1907, the club became a limited company. After two good seasons in the Second Division, they joined the First Division in 1909–10. Three years later, the club reached the Scottish Cup Final for the first time, but they lost 2–0 to Falkirk.
Setting New Records
In 1921, Raith Rovers started using a new training method. They began using a ball during practice, which was new for Scottish teams. This change helped them become more successful.
In 1921–22, Raith Rovers had their highest-ever league finish. They came third in the top Scottish division. This was under manager James Logan, a former player.
Something unusual happened in 1923 when the players were shipwrecked! The team was on their way to play friendly matches in the Canary Islands. Their ship, the SS Highland Loch, ran aground off the coast of Galicia. Luckily, local fishermen rescued all the players safely. They continued their trip a few days later and won all four games on the islands. In 2023, the club celebrated this event. Their new away kit used the yellow and blue colors of a team from the Canary Islands.
The team faced tough times in the 1920s and 1930s. But things got better in the 1937–38 season. Raith Rovers set a British League Record by scoring 142 goals in just 34 league matches. This record still stands today! Five forwards scored most of these goals: Glen (5), Gilmour (35), Norrie Haywood (47), Whitelaw (26), and Joyner (21).
Around this time, a record crowd of 25,500 people watched a Scottish Cup quarter-final replay at Stark's Park. Raith lost 3–2 to East Fife.
Willie McNaught played for Raith during the war and then signed a contract after the war ended. He played 657 senior games for Rovers, often as captain. Raith reached the League Cup final in 1948–49 but lost to Rangers. They also won the Second Division title that season. Raith stayed in the top division until 1962. In 1951, Raith had their largest-ever crowd for a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park, with 84,640 fans watching. Raith lost 3–2 to Celtic.
Promotions, Relegations, and Top Players
The 1962–63 season was difficult. The club finished last in the First Division, letting in 118 goals in 34 games.
George Farm became Raith manager in 1964. He helped Raith get promoted in 1966–67. In 1967–68, Raith avoided being relegated. This was thanks to striker Gordon Wallace. He scored 27 goals and was named SFWA Footballer of the Year. He was the first player outside of the "Old Firm" (Celtic and Rangers) to win this award. However, the club was relegated again at the end of the 1969–70 season.
In 1975–76, the league system changed to three tiers. Raith was promoted to the First Division in the first year of this new system. They were relegated the next season but bounced back up the season after. Raith then played well in the First Division until the early 1980s.
A new manager, Frank Connor, took over in 1986. He brought in many new players. This led to promotion on goal difference after a 4–1 win against Stranraer on the last day of the season.
Winning the League Cup
Raith Rovers became a full-time team again for the 1991–92 season. They then won the First Division title in 1992–93. This started the most successful time in the club's history. The team played in the Scottish Premier Division (now the Premiership) for the first time.
On November 27, 1994, Raith Rovers, led by manager Jimmy Nicholl, famously beat Celtic 6–5 on penalties. This was after a 2–2 draw in the Coca-Cola Cup final. Future Raith manager, Gordon Dalziel, scored the goal that tied the game for Raith in the final minutes. In the same season, Raith was promoted to the Premier Division again after winning the First Division title.
Because they won the Cup, Raith qualified for the UEFA Cup in Europe for the first time. They beat teams from the Faroese Islands and Iceland in the first two rounds. Then, they faced Bayern Munich, who eventually won the UEFA Cup. Raith lost 2–0 in the first game, which was played at Easter Road. In the second game in Munich, Raith was winning 1–0 at half-time, but they eventually lost 2–1. This was special because Raith was the first Scottish team to play in a major European competition while not being in the top league. That same season, Raith finished sixth in the Premier League.
Winning the Coca-Cola Cup and selling player Steve McAnespie helped the club earn money. This money was used to rebuild Stark's Park into an all-seater stadium. It was finished for the 1995–96 season. Bayern Munich was invited to play a friendly match in the newly rebuilt stadium, which Raith won 1–0.
Challenges and Changes
After being relegated from the Premier Division, the club struggled in the First Division. For the 2001–02 season, they were relegated to the Second Division. This was their first time there since 1987. However, they returned to the First Division in the 2002–03 season, led by Antonio Calderón.
At the start of the 2004–05 season, Claude Anelka (brother of famous French striker Nicolas) offered money to manage a team. He became the manager of Raith Rovers. Anelka signed many players from lower leagues in France. The season was very difficult, even after Anelka left and Gordon Dalziel took over. Raith was relegated to the Second Division, finishing last with only 16 points.
Local Ownership and Recent Success
In 2005–06, the club's future looked uncertain. The previous owners threatened to sell Stark's Park for housing. After many discussions, a deal was made with their company.
A fan campaign called Reclaim the Rovers helped secure the club's future. They raised £100,000, and fans got a place on the new board. On December 30, 2005, Raith Rovers' future was safe. A group bought the club for £1.2 million. This was helped by Gordon Brown, who later became Prime Minister and was a fan and shareholder.
On May 2, 2009, Raith won the Second Division title. They won 1–0 at Hampden Park, with over 1500 traveling fans.
On April 6, 2014, Raith won the 2014 Scottish Challenge Cup Final 1–0 against Rangers after extra time.
In early 2022, a player's signing caused some controversy. This led to the club's women's teams deciding to separate. The player was later released from his contract. The women's team then renamed themselves McDermid Ladies.
Team Colors and Badge
Raith Rovers' kit is dark blue with light blue details. They wear white shorts and dark blue socks. The club's current badge has been used since 1998. Before that, they used a lion and shield design.
Stadium: Stark's Park
Raith Rovers' home stadium is Stark's Park. It is located in Kirkcaldy. The club has played there since 1891.
Fife Rivalries
There are three other SPFL clubs in Fife. These are East Fife, Kelty Hearts, and Dunfermline Athletic. Raith's traditional rival is East Fife. However, their biggest rivalry is against Dunfermline Athletic. A game between them in April 2011 attracted over 11,000 fans.
Supporters and Culture
Many famous people support Raith Rovers. These include former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Author Ian Rankin, Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman, and writer Harry Ritchie are also fans. Author Val McDermid was a director but stopped her sponsorship in 2022 due to a player signing. Current St Johnstone manager Craig Levein has supported the team since he was a boy.
Raith Rovers in Books
The team is often mentioned in Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus novels. Rankin says that his character, Rebus, supports Raith Rovers. In Giles Foden's novel The Last King of Scotland, the main character, Nicholas Garrigan, is also a Raith Rovers fan.
Team Music
The Raith Rovers anthem is a song called "Geordie Munro." It mentions Kirkcaldy prominently.
Fan Connections
Raith Rovers fans also connect with supporters of the German football club FC Ingolstadt 04. Ingolstadt is a twin city of Kirkcaldy.
Players
Current Squad
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Players on Loan
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Club Officials
Board of Directors
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Management Team
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Managerial History
Here are some of the managers who have led Raith Rovers:
- Bert Herdman (1945–1961): He was in charge during some of the club's most successful years.
- George Farm (1964–1967 and 1971–1974): He helped the team get promoted during his time.
- Frank Connor (1986–1990): He brought the club from the lower divisions to a strong position.
- Jimmy Nicholl (1990–1996): He was manager and player. He won two First Division titles and the famous League Cup. He also led the team in their only European competition.
Women's Team
Raith Rovers Ladies and Girls F.C. was once the oldest women's team linked to a club in Scotland. After a player signing caused controversy, the women's team decided to rename themselves McDermid Ladies.
Club Honours and Achievements
Raith Rovers has won many titles and cups throughout its history:
- Scottish Football League Division Two / Scottish First Division
- Winners: 1907–08, 1909–10, 1937–38, 1948–49, 1992–93, 1994–95
- Runners-up: 1908–09, 1926–27, 1966–67, 2010–11
- Scottish Football League Second Division / Scottish League One
- Winners: 2002–03, 2008–09, 2019–20
- Runners-up: 1975–76, 1977–78, 1986–87, 2017–18
- Scottish Cup
- Runners-up: 1912–13
- Scottish League Cup
- Winners: 1994–95
- Runners-up: 1948–49
- Scottish Challenge Cup
- Winners: 2013–14, 2019–20, 2021–22
- Runners-up: 2022–23
- B Division Supplementary Cup
- Runners-up: 1946–47, 1948–49
- Scottish Qualifying Cup
- Winners: 1906–07
- Runners-up: 1907–08
Other Trophies
Raith Rovers has also won or shared many local cups:
- Fife Cup: 35 wins, 4 shared
- King Cup: 3 wins
- Wemyss Cup: 8 wins, 1 shared
- Stark Cup: 2 wins, 2 shared
- Penman Cup: 8 wins
- Fifeshire Charity Cup: 1 win
- Kirkcaldy Cottage Hospital Charity Cup: 4 wins
- Kirkcaldy Hospital Cup: 1 shared
- East Fife Charity Cup: 1 win
Notable Former Players
Players from the 1994 League Cup Winning Team
- Shaun Dennis: Played over 400 games for Raith Rovers.
- Colin Cameron: A Scottish international player who started his career at Raith.
- Jason Dair: An experienced midfielder who played for Raith three times.
- Stevie Crawford: A former Scottish international who began his career with Raith.
- Gordon Dalziel: The record league goalscorer for Raith Rovers with 154 goals. He scored the tying goal in the Cup Final.
- David Narey MBE: A veteran player who won Man of the Match in the Coca-Cola Cup final.
- Steve McAnespie: Sold for Raith's record transfer fee of £900,000. This money helped redevelop Stark's Park.
Other players in that winning squad included Scott Thomson, Julian Broddle, David Sinclair, Ally Graham, Brian Potter, Jason Rowbotham and Ian Redford.
Players in the Scottish Football Hall of Fame
Ten players who have been part of Raith Rovers have entered the Scottish Football Hall of Fame:
Jim Baxter- Alex James
- McCrae's Battalion
- Willie Wallace
- David Narey
Players in the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame
One former Raith Rovers player is in the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame:
- Jim Baxter
Club Records
- Record attendance: 31,306 fans against Hearts on February 7, 1953.
- Record victory: 10–1 against Coldstream in the Scottish Cup, 1954.
- Record defeat: 2–11 against Morton in Division 2, 1936.
- League goalscoring record (individual): Norrie Heywood, 42 goals in 1937–38.
- Most league goals (individual, overall): Gordon Dalziel, 154 goals (1987–1994).
- Most goals in a league season (team): 142 goals in 1937–38 (a British Record).
- Most capped player: David Morris, 6 caps for Scotland.
- Highest transfer fee paid: £225,000 for Paul Harvey (from Airdrie, July 1996).
- Highest transfer fee received: £900,000 for Steve McAnespie (to Bolton Wanderers, September 1995).
European Record
Raith Rovers has played in the UEFA Cup:
| Season | Competition | Round | Opponent | Home | Away | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995–96 | UEFA Cup | Preliminary round |  GÍ |
4–0 | 2–2 | 6–2 |
| First round |  ÍA |
3–1 | 0–1 | 3–2 | ||
| Second round |  Bayern Munich |
0–2 | 1–2 | 1–4 |
See also
In Spanish: Raith Rovers Football Club para niños
