The New Raith Rovers Thread

[itzdrk]

11 minutes ago, Overseas guy said:

And can it play "Geordie Munro" when you press it 

 

 

[pub car king]

27 minutes ago, Overseas guy said:

And can it play "Geordie Munro" when you press it 

There's probably an order from the club going into Temu as speak.

[MrDust]

3 hours ago, SirJimmyofNic said:

I couldn't see Potter bringing in players of his own back without consulting Murray, surely Murray would've had input on any targets, I did say yesterday that a few players need moving on in January as we're definately not getting "value for money" from them 

Common sense says the manager has final say but we had Holt bringing in his son on a 2yr contract and various others that were rumoured that it was his decision.

A few top clubs also have the coach aka manager to work with players signed for them

See Chelsea 

[CountryBumpkin]

20 minutes ago, MrDust said:

Common sense says the manager has final say but we had Holt bringing in his son on a 2yr contract and various others that were rumoured that it was his decision.

A few top clubs also have the coach aka manager to work with players signed for them

See Chelsea 

Even at Chelsea, Maresca has a say in decisions. See Dewsbury-Hall and Sancho coming in and Chilwell, Sterling and a whole load of other haddies being thrown away. 

[da_no_1]

4 hours ago, Been going too long said:

Chinos and M&S shirt for you plus strawberries and cream

Now thats what i call a meal deal 

[Ro Sham Bo]

You can tell the team are rubbish when the club are suddenly bashing on with the cladding for a 'good news' story. 

 

[Broken Algorithms]

 

[da_no_1]

16 hours ago, AllanJM said:

Really think this is going to look great when it's finished........

Does the plan include a new roof? If not it'll take a bit of the shine away from it. Bit like getting an arselift without getting a face-lift.

[Rover1990]

10 minutes ago, da_no_1 said:

Does the plan include a new roof? If not it'll take a bit of the shine away from it. Bit like getting an arselift without getting a face-lift.

Think the plan is to cover the roof with solar panels.

[stevoraith]

I think it looks pretty good in the photo but I just drove past and it looks better in the metal. 
The badge is massive, and you can see they have wiring in place next to it for the Raith Rovers lettering which is obviously going to light up. 
 

You also can’t really see the roof from ground level so that won’t be an issue. 

[da_no_1]

3 minutes ago, stevoraith said:

You also can’t really see the roof from ground level so that won’t be an issue. 

I biked past it this morning, you definitely can see the roof as you approach from the Bevvy Park heading out of town.

And here's an old streetmap view looking uphill.......

 

Edited September 10 by da_no_1

[pub car king]

Anyone logging onto the Q&A tonight that would mind taking some notes. 

I'm at work so will miss it. 

[Brashy's Boots]

30 minutes ago, pub car king said:

Anyone logging onto the Q&A tonight that would mind taking some notes. 

I'm at work so will miss it. 

I'm logging on but won't be taking notes. Unless you pay me.

[raith1974]

1 minute ago, Brashy's Boots said:

I'm logging on but won't be taking notes. Unless you pay me.

Can someone try and see if signings are imminent. We lack numbers and Nedd reinforcements sooner than later.

[Zen Archer (Raconteur)]

14 minutes ago, raith1974 said:

Can someone try and see if signings are imminent. We lack numbers and Nedd reinforcements sooner than later.

Airdrie Ultras?

[Ro Sham Bo]

52 minutes ago, raith1974 said:

Can someone try and see if signings are imminent. We lack numbers and Nedd reinforcements sooner than later.

Working hard to add some players before the end of the month. Areas have been identified where we're looking to strengthen. 

Longer term Collins sounds keen to look at the American market too.

[Ro Sham Bo]

Enjoyed that Q & A. 

I now have some positivity back. Need to go for a lie down I think 

[RaithRovers1883]

I thoroughly enjoyed that Q&A, and similarly came away even more positive than I was at the beginning. So many points to think and reflect on!

[SanStarko]

Another good Q&A, pretty open and honest answering the questions and a lot of interesting things coming out of it.  Maybe not so good for those who hate everyone back for corners though.

[Offshore Rover]

 

My notes, paraphrased a lot so not word for word. I haven’t read back through so spelling and autocorrect errors likely. Any belters let me know and I’ll edit haha!
 

50 odd questions whittled down from 80 sent in 

 

Q for Neil - how are you looking forward to challenge and the new season objectives. 

 

A - Neil really looking forward to it, spoke to fan and how exciting  it is and people behind scenes are up for it. Objective is better than the last season and circumstances for making the team the best as possible. 

 

Andy - want to be competitive, whether that’s play off or title. Want to win games of football. 

 

Q - areas to strengthen ? 

 

Neil - assess squad, still early for him. Board will do everything they can to support and make it happen if right person comes along. Highlighted areas where strength and depth are needed. 

 

A for Andy - have targets been identified and was it grudging Neil count join earlier ? 

 

A - work never stopped, eager to improve the squad, work hard to continue to recruit. A lot of work was done before window opened.  Disappointed it took so long? No, they got their man in the end. Doesn’t hamper recruitment process. 

 

Q for Neil - looking to use film allocation if loans ? 

 

A - no , we need right players and if players won’t contribute then no point signing them. Easy to sign players but harder to sign good players. Players have been watched, looking at videos, agents etc. hopeful a couple can be added to squad. 

 

Q - working with players you’ve already worked with or does ref tape hamper that? 

 

A - doesn’t hamper, would be good to use contacts down south, in the states etc and players there are more than capable of playing here. 

 

Q - how does relationship work with Potter ? 

 

A - big part of joining was to work with potter and Andy, all very aligned to what the team should look like. Room to develop squad and tap into different markets. 

 

Q - you like a 3 at back, as a formation is there enough CB for that to work? 

 

A - yes I do like back 3, formation can change during game depending on situation. Wants best players in best positions to be effective. Example is Dylan Easton, where can we play him to get the best out of him. We have good CB, Liam Dick very good at LB or CB or good at LCB in back 3. 

 

Q - does the system get chosen of the players available or stick to the system chosen. 

 

A - all about getting the best of players in the positions they are best in. To win a league we have to be exciting, attacking, scoring goals etc. 

 

Q for Andy - what was it about Neil’s CV that caught attention. 

 

A - what he done at other clubs was good, initial attraction from previous work. Then sit and talk to him about life, football etc and everything comes together. Met at a service station down south and that chat went well. Work he has done already is good. 

 

Q - did you always feel Neil was committed to the role. 

 

A - only one other person offered job. Neil was offered job first. He had personal reasons such as family decided no but things change. 

 

A from Neil- Met very early with Andy and family was main reason and didn’t want massive upheaval for young family after living in Florida for 7 years. He needed more time to make such a big commitment for his family. Serious consideration was needed. John and Andy were relentless and made him feel wanted and value. Neil went to the stadium one night and John convinced him to change his mind. 

 

Q - for Andy, expectations for Neil? Promotion? 

 

A - expectations haven’t changed, want to be competitive at top of league, squad is capable of that, stronger than this year. Remit is not to be promoted, we want to be in premiership, but we want a club to be sustainable and build to be a premiership club almost before we get there. Board will ensure everything is in place to help. 

 

Q- any regrets over change if manager ? 

 

A - he believes it was the right decision, Ian deserved opportunity to start season, 25 training sessions and 8 games but they are confident in decision made. 

 

Q - for Neil- does Astro and lots of Astro pitches  change coaching etc ? 

 

A - training in everyday is an advantage to use and okay good exciting matches. Away from we can adapt. Every week conditions are looked at and adapt to play. Players are more than capable if it. 

 

Q for Andy - how did you keep name out of media ? 

 

A - trying to be transparent and more than other clubs. Time and place to conduct business out of media due to other clubs, family etc. Important to conduct business behind closed doors. 

 

Q - for Andy, ship is tighter for any leaks. 

 

A - conscious effort to keep things wuiet. 

 

Q - for Neil, evidence of teams scoring goals in previous jobs, how do you implement that here? 

 

A - takes time, positives from Sunday show good mentality from players and want to entertain everyone. Give them structure but freedom to play good football and balance structure and freedom. He wants to watch a good team so he tries to implement  that. A lot of work on training ground with Micky and him on different areas. 

 

Q - for Neil, are you looking to add back room staff? 

 

A - generally nice to have someone there you know but comfortable with Andy and John and everyone and willing to give everyone the opportunity. Doesn’t want to bring in just anyone, person has to be right if brought in. Staff been very sportive. 

 

Q - did you okay with Micky at wolves? 

 

A - just missed each other. Played against him in reserve game some time. Lots of mutual friends who speak highly of him. 

 

Q to Andy- what are plans for space in stadium? From 200 club. (Has 200 club left? 

 

A - everyone is unhappy with how it happened. Air con, re brand etc. let it breath for a bit to settle down. Respectful of what was there before. 

 

Q for Andy - from 200 club. Understand other options may be there to give better more money. How to make sure mantra if we all belong doesn’t impact peoples money ? 

 

A - different price points for different things to try attractive everyone. Doesn’t think proposal to 200 club wasn’t that bad, £7 a game. Trying to make decisions best for the club and respectfully. 

 

Q - Andy, renovations ongoing. Update on that? Cladding etc 

 

A - new staff offices, promoted good practice and gives manager own space. New laundry and kit room complete this week and now have space that is professional and fit for purpose. Cladding - taking pace this week, structural engineers main issue and red tape, club crest looking magnificent. Lettering fixed onto today, early next week will be lighting up letters. 27/11 room and tea room now one large board room, community foundation also use it, it’s more than a board room, completed by Hamilton game on 21st. Next is hospitality lounge is next, adds 65 covers, ground floor so opens up to other people and other events for local community. 

 

Q - railways stand ? 

 

A - £2 million price tag, difficult one but cost is issue and mindful of no Astro in premiership  

 

Q - for Andy, pitch looking to resurface it for community but having premiership status. Potential ground share whilst work gets done ? 

 

A - ideally no, time pressure is there but ideally we get promoted this season so it buys us time. Good to hear kids etc on the pitch but some other facility would be good to have training base and used by team and community. Looking at other areas purchase for this. 

 

Q - for Neil where do you see us in 3 years and difference between Scotland and England. 

 

A - wants to be better in three years as a person/coach. Club alone has come a long way in one year. Wants club to be in a better place on the pitch and fans to be proud of the team. Promise to try and make the club better every day. 

 

Q for Neil - difference between England and Scotland. 

 

A - distinct differences. Scottish championship similar to USA other than weather. Seen players do well in England and struggle in Scotland. Some Players down south would do well up here. We do have quality here tho in our players. Attitude of players here are very very good in the club. 

 

Q - for Neil, what USA experience are you bringing here? 

 

A - American sport is slightly different, passion here is massive compared to USA. Dominance here of football in media etc etc. 

 

Q - for Neil what’s the most valuable lesson in management ? 

 

A - quite a few, ultimately need everyone need to be committed. I am Always 100% committed and needs everyone to push towards that and bigger goal. Sometimes picked talent over commitment but more looking for commitment now. 

 

Q for Neil - parallels between Ian departure and Neil’s Barnsley departure. 

 

A from Neil - done his homework and research by talking to other people and confident the board done the right decision. Club transparent about everything. 

 

A from Andy - harsh as it sounds, Neil has attributed Ian didn’t. Board have to make decisions that are best for the club. They believe change was needed to take us forward

 

Q for Andy- half season in January finances looked good. Are you closer to giving us more from full season? Are we sustainable etc ? 

 

A - on fifth draft of accounts, auditors in last week. Hard work been done bye everyone including fans buy shirts etc etc . Confident we turned a profit and re invested into club. We are in healthy position and possibly over the next few weeks we will get something out. 

 

Q - for Andy - sports bar? Moved offices etc and club shop? Where we at with that? 

 

A - permission denied due to traffic for small offices / shop / food outlet. Shelved that idea for now. Changing raith suit and new hospitality to potentially allow fans in for pint etc before game. 

 

Q - for Neil, injuries plagued us, we suffered more than fair share. Any underlying reason or are we unlucky? 

 

A - looking at how we can make team fitter. Always injury’s in football and trying to mitigate that and looking into reasons for existing injury’s. Train in the best way to keep players fit with right intensity and trying to stop injury’s. End of month should be very very close to full strength. 

 

Q - for Andy, did you always look at premier league or did you look beyond  and that such as cups, Europe etc. is long term that? 

 

A - yes, we want to be premiership  club before we get there as it gives us a better chance to stay there. We have to build a club and Infrastructure. Ross county better than us in the pitch and off it, we need to close gap between these teams and us on and off the pitch. Other Scottish Europe teams have a strong and better infrastructure and we want to do that. 

 

Q for Andy, can talk about reserve league and going we leap to that. 

 

A - Andy, remain committed to have young local players in first team. Takes time to do that, adding two or three this summer. John works with community club at older age, about to start day release so these players can experience training once a week with first team to create pathway. 

 

Q - for Neil, how do young players get game time given no reserve team? 

 

A - time, costs a lot of money for youth team, club trying to do that bit by bit. Callum Hannah out on loan, training with us everyday and playing competitive football. Difficult to balance everyone’s expectations on first team, young players, infrastructure etc. About giving young players opportunity, even getting them training etc. 

 

Q - for Andy - youth development, how do extend you belong mantra to wider local clubs and do we have links there such as scouting? 

 

A - steps in place for scouting youth development, Johns background is in that and has a good network within Fife for that and want us to have the best grass roots. 

 

Q - Neil, any superstitions? 

 

A - as a player, put jersey on last, same shin pads. As a manager , no, leaves that to the wife. 

 

A - from Andy- as a player, left shin pad on first, left boot on first etc, usual nonsense with a laugh. 

 

Q - footballing room 101, what would you put in? 

 

A - Neil, handball one is good after Sunday. Stop start nature is worse than ever, player goes down on ground and ref stops immediate. Too many stoppages, excludes head injuries. 

 

Q - Neil, 2 up to post corners? 

 

A-  a lot go time goes into set pieces, doesn’t rule out time to time leaving one person up. 

 

Q - for Neil, change captain? 

 

A - no, Scott brown is excellent. Every interaction has been excellent, including Matthew’s. Plenty of leaders. 

 

Q Andy- catering on match day. No cash taken, inconsistent food, long queues? 

 

A - wants to know more on inconsistency. No cash trying to ease queue. Happy to take suggestions. Staffing difficult to keep the same in that area due to dynamic nature. Open to feedback. 

 

Q - Neil, which current Manager do you admire most ? 

 

A - Pep, emery at Aston Villa. 

 

Q - Neil, what’s impressed you most and for Andy what’s the best bit about RR? 

 

A Neil - the people and staff and players. The attitude is excellent and enjoy working with. They want to learn and do better. 

 

A Andy- passion from fans Wanting the best for your club. Not many more passionate fan bases out there. 

 

Q - Neil, what can America learn from Scottish football. 

 

A - promotion and relegation from leagues. Teams don’t have that fear etc. 

 

Open floor now. Hold on folks. 

 

Q - is Sam close to coming back? 

 

A - he came on on Saturday and in plans for Friday. 

 

Q - did the way Ian got sacked give you hesitation on taking job? 

 

A -no, board answered all queries. 

 

Q - for Andy, plans for wall to be renovated on Pratt street? 

 

A - would like too but traffic difficult and would like to do it. Plans for wall on ramp, signage isn’t cheap tho and in the schedule of work somewhere. 

 

Q - for Andy. dean mckenzie, will he be on RTV? 

 

A - dean very shy and not really who he is. 

 

Q - for Neil, how’s plans for moving family up. 

 

A - going well, excited to get family up here and moved here. Part of delay was making that big decision and they are committed to moving too. 

 

Q -for Neil, mindset for derby? 

 

A - build on positives and take consideration of opponent. 

 

Q - for Andy, plan for update score board? 

 

A - score board was donated by fans so conscious not to disrespect that. Smaller LED screens on concourse by Hamilton game. Big new screen in radar tho. 

 

Q for Andy, match day atmosphere, any discussion  ? 

 

A - ongoing engagement and discussions, things take time to grow and build. Feels like we start then stop and want something consistent to start moving. Open to suggestions and wants feedback etc. 

 

Q - for Neil, how important are supporters for players? 

 

A - football is about fans, players have to reward fans and fans have to reward players. 

 

Andy also answers - we have to enjoy coming here, have fun, enjoy watching our team. Don’t be scared of expectation and let’s enjoy it. Let’s have some fun. 

 

Q - Andy, painting walls below cladding ? 

 

A - yes, once cladding is fine and paint ordered. 

 

Q- Andy, 1883 strips. 

 

A - designers working on it and very close and production and available before Christmas. 

 

Q - Neil, will there be a time we can recruit internationally? 

 

A - experiment from USA and about looking at the best markets and looking at it diligently and budget wise and defiantly looking at it to give us a different edge. 

 

 

Q - Andy, stand sponsorship? 

 

A - discussion ongoing and pulled back slightly until Manager in place. Cranked back up now due to new manager. Couple interested parties. 

 

Q - for Andy ,  is pitch available for marriages ? 

 

A - Jokes about asking premiership clubs needing to vote on it first and not might not look good on camera.