Ex-Hearts keeper Jamie MacDonald signs for Raith Rovers

Goalkeeper renews acquaintances with move to Fife

Jamie MacDonald signs for Raith Rovers. Photo: Tony Fimister

Raith Rovers have snapped up the services of goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald for the new season.

Reuniting with his former Hearts boss, John McGlynn, the 34-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Stark’s Park side and is now preparing for the Championship campaign.

MacDonald, who won the Scottish Cup during his time at the Tynecastle club, was a member of the Hearts side that impressed with a memorable Europa League performance at Anfield under McGlynn’s guidance and his experience of working under the gaffer in the past was an influence in him joining the Fife side.

“I have known John a long time - 16 or 17 years now. He was my first professional coach when I went into Hearts aged 16. So I have worked with John a long time and that was a pull for me.

“Working with John in the past, I think he is a fantastic coach and someone I’ve enjoyed working with. I enjoy his training and the way he likes his teams to play football. That was a big draw for me. First and foremost you want to enjoy your football.”

The former Kilmarnock goalkeeper has played at Championship level previously with Falkirk and Alloa and is looking forward to eventually getting the new term underway but he expects a few more new faces to follow him through the front door between now and then.

“[The squad] is a bit light at the moment but the manager will be working hard to get more in. The situation is very difficult for everybody right now but I have faith in the gaffer that he will fill [the squad] out and I think we will have a competitive team on the park at the beginning of the season.”