Raith Rovers chairman Turnbull Hutton has spoken of his delight after management trio Grant Murray, Paul Smith and Laurie Ellis agreed to extend their contracts with the club until at least the end of season 2015/16.
Murray was appointed manager in July last year following the departure of John McGlynn for Hearts and, after guiding the Kirkcaldy club to sixth in the table last term, has got Rovers challenging near the top of the Championship table this season.
The 38-year-old, who has also steered Rovers to their first national cup final since 1994 and has two manager of the month accolades to his name already this term, has evidently adapted well to his new role alongside assistant Smith and first team coach Ellis, and the stability the three have brought to the club has not gone unnoticed by the board.
All three put pen to paper on contract extensions last night, effectively tying them to the club for the next two seasons, and Hutton said: “We seem to be on a roll just now, so the timing is right to secure their services.
“We want the management team to start speaking to players over the next few weeks and you can’t really do that if the manager’s contract ends at the end of the season, so it was important to get it sorted out.
“All three have got a long association with the club, they understand how it works the board, the players, the fans and we’ve been very pleased how Grant and Laurie have taken to management and coaching duties.”
Off the field, Rovers posted a yearly profit of £81,350 for the year ending June 30 and club officials are keen to continue moving in the right direction both on and off the park.
Despite sitting third in the Championship, crowds at Stark’s Park have remained disappointing and Hutton added: “We’re getting it right on and off the park, so we want the fans to come out and support us.”