Leaving your hometown team, and one in the top-flight at that, after seven years would prove a wrench for most. But, for Kyle Benedictus, the switch from Dundee to Raith has been rejuvenating.
While the Dark Blues were earning plaudits in the Premiership last season, Benedictus was fighting a relegation battle in the Championship, having been farmed out to Alloa.
However, if Raith’s victory over League Two champions Albion Rovers in Saturday’s League Cup tie is anything to go by, the stopper could have higher ambitions occupying his mind in the coming months.
The Stark’s Park men were impressive in sweeping aside their part-time opponents.
A 16th-minute penalty from Lewis Vaughan, who was later substituted with a suspected serious knee injury, sent the Fifers on their way.
And when Benedictus added a second with a thumping header from a Ryan McCord corner in the 38th minute there was no way back for Albion.
Full-back Rory McKeown’s first goal for the club shortly after half-time applied some gloss to a fine afternoon.
Booking their place in the next round of the cup would have been the main goal, but a performance of fluidity and application would have pleased new manager Ray McKinnon in only his second competitive outing.
A three-man strike-force of on-loan Dundee teenager Craig Wighton, Mark Stewart and Vaughan seemed intent on perpetual motion, while Ross Callachan, McCord and former Dundee United youngster Darren Petrie were ever-willing recipients of possession in midfield.
“The manager has told us in every game to try and keep the ball as much as possible,” explained Benedictus. “We don’t want to overplay too much but we were comfortable on Saturday.
“I was seven years at Dundee, so it’s nice to get a new challenge and I’m really enjoying it. I’m probably enjoying my football the most I’ve ever done.”
However, the confidence that the win, and the previous week’s success against Cowdenbeath in the Petrofac Training Cup, has instilled is evident and Benedictus has set himself a goals target.
“I’ll try and get at least five this season,” added the centre-half, who is suspended for the league opener at home to Livingston on Saturday.