Hibs icon praised after taking management role at SPFL club as another former Easter Road ace welcomed to club
The Scottish Championship side appointed Morton’s Dougie Imrie as their new gaffer.
After an extensive managerial appointment process, Raith Rovers have opted for Morton boss Dougie Imrie as Barry Robson’s permanent successor.
The 42-year old had been at Morton for four years, where he steadied the ship for the Cappielow side, making them a solid second-tier outfit, however he now looks ahead to his next challenge after swapping Greenock for Kirkcaldy. He brings with him his long-time assistant and former Hibs player, Andy Millen, to Stark’s Park after the latter left Morton earlier this year.
After one win in six, Robson was issued his marching orders, with Rovers sitting seventh in the Championship table. As Chairman Colin Smart and General Manager Dean McKenzie were on the hunt for their new man, Hibs icon Paul Hanlon took on the interim position, in what was his first ever managerial stint. The club have expressed their gratitude for the defender for taking the role at a difficult time.
‘A leader and a real credit’
Raith’s statement reads: “The Club would like to say a huge thank you to Paul Hanlon for stepping in as Interim Manager. A leader and a real credit to this football club, we look forward to seeing him continue his contribution on the pitch.”
After making over 500 appearance for the Hibees in an Easter Road career that spanned 17 years, Hanlon moved to Raith at the age of 34. The defender went to Kirkcaldy alongside, fellow Hibs icon and friend, Lewis Stevenson in the summer of 2024.
Hanlon oversaw two matches in the dugout for the Stark’s Park side - a 3-0 defeat at home to Airdrie and last weekend’s goalless draw away to Arbroath. As the side now sit mid-table in the league only four points outside the play-off spots, a new manager bounce could see their fortunes transform over the Christmas period.
Imrie ‘seriously delighted’ with Raith appointment
After four years at Morton, the former Hamilton and St Mirren winger can’t wait to start his latest challenge in Scottish Football. He told Raith TV: ’”I’m seriously delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get started today. The ambition of the Board and the supporters was clear from the first conversation.
“I know the squad, I know the league, and I want to get this group believing and achieving again. My aim is to reconnect the Club and the supporters, play with intensity, and get this team winning games again. I want to get this place (Stark’s Park) rocking.“
Chairman, Smart commented: “from the moment we began our discussions, it was clear that Dougie was the standout candidate to take this club forward. His drive, ambition, and energy along with his CV aligned with our vision in what we want Raith Rovers to be. We’re delighted to welcome Dougie and his assistant, Andy Millen, to Stark’s Park and we’re all looking forward to working closely with them in the months and years ahead.”