Raith Rovers issue pledge to win back fans and add to the board following Goodwillie transfer

Raith Rovers say the remaining four members of the board are working to win back fans and volunteers who turned their backs on the club following the signing of David Goodwillie.

The deadline day transfer of the 32-year-old, who was found to have raped a woman in a landmark civil court case in 2017, caused a widespread and furious backlash from many connected with the club.

Rovers later confirmed he would not play for them and would enter talks to cancel his contract.

In a fresh update issued today, the board of directors set out their desire to rebuild trust, saying they all believe 'the club can come out of this stronger in the long term'.

A further apology

The statement read: "The Board of Directors and CEO, having reflected further on what we have already acknowledged was a wrong decision around a deadline day transfer, would like to provide our supporters, volunteers and the wider community connected to the club with an update.

"In doing so, we ask that everyone takes cognisance of the fact that a number of legal and financial issues are still being discussed with concerned parties, and as such we are restricted to the extent of information we can share at this time.

"The past two weeks have been an awful period in the club’s long and proud history, and once again we want to say sorry for the damage that has been caused and to those affected in any way by the issues raised.

"We fully acknowledge that there is still a long journey ahead of us to reach a position where the many thousands of people who are part of the Raith Rovers family feel they have trust and confidence in those of us who take the day-to-day decisions at the club.

"Some of the first steps on this journey are already underway. We have reached out to the supporters’ groups, and meetings have already taken place, with more planned over the coming weeks to begin discussions that will lead to agreement on a plan to repair the reputational and financial damage.

"We know this will not be easy and we are not underestimating the size of the task ahead of us. It is, however, one we are wholly committed to in the belief that the club can come out of this stronger in the long term."

Board review

The statement also committed to a review of the board by the end of the season, suggesting new appointments - but also that the four board members remaining after the controversy would stay for now.

It added: "The past two weeks have also provided an important reminder that the club relies on the time, energy and commitment of volunteers across many activities. We have never taken our volunteers for granted, and we are saddened that some have taken the decision to step aside from their roles in the current circumstances.

"We fully understand and respect such actions, but it is our hope, and sincere wish, that as we strive to rebuild and repair the trust and relationships within the Rovers family, that they will return to the club.

"Similarly, we hope that those fans whose anger at the events of deadline day has led to them withdraw their support, will judge us on the progress we are promising and in due course feel they are able to make a return to Stark’s Park.

"We have also commenced consultations on a thorough review of the composition Board of Directors of the Club, with a view to broadening the experience and expertise of the Board and to ensure that all our stakeholders are fully represented.

"We will complete this by the end of the season and we will then communicate the results. Meanwhile the remaining four Board Members, the CEO and all club staff are fully engaged on keeping the Club going through this difficult time.

"Finally, as a Board and the CEO, we would like to say how proud we were of the team and management for their efforts in the recent cup tie at Celtic Park. The score did not in any way reflect the performance they delivered on the pitch, while the performance and support from the fans off the pitch was also outstanding. It was a reminder of just how precious the link is between the club, the players and those who cheer us on."

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