John McGlynn has got a proven track record of getting Raith Rovers off to a flying start.
The Stark’s Park boss admitted that this season that was more crucial than ever. After getting so close to winning promotion to the SPL, only to see bitter rivals Dunfermline snatch it away from them at the death, there was an understandable air of anti-climax in Kirkcaldy this summer.
Throw into the mix a close season of trimming the wage bill and there wasn’t much optimism that another title push could be mounted. Back-to-back league wins against Falkirk and Queen of the South have put Rovers joint top of the First Division, however, and McGlynn admitted the two victories couldn’t have come at a better time.
“There was a lot of doom and gloom around at the end of last season with the cuts we had and the people moving on,” he said. “If we had got off to a bad start then the doom and gloom mongers would have been even more down.
“We’ve got a smaller squad but I still feel that we’ve got strength in our team and if we keep the majority of our players fit through the season I would still be hoping to have a good season.
“It was good that on Saturday the performance was pleasing on the eye as well as being a win. I’m delighted with our first two results but it’s only a start, of course, and we have to build on it.
“It’s still very early, so I don’t want to count any chickens, but every year we seem to start well and long may it continue.”
One of the many plus points of Saturday’s 3-1 win over Queen of the South was the first goal in a Raith shirt for Brian Graham.
“I’m delighted for Brian,” McGlynn said. “I remember John Baird scored in his first game of pre-season for us when he signed and that set him up well for a great season.
“That didn’t happen for Brian but we were very happy with his overall play and now that he’s scored it will be a weight off his shoulders. He’s playing his old club, Morton, on Saturday and I’d imagine he’ll want to do well against them.”
Iain Williamson (calf) and Grant Murray (dead leg) both picked up knocks on Saturday but McGlynn is optimistic they will be fit and available for selection at the weekend.