Raith Rovers’ summer transfer window has in many respects been night and day from last year.
But then many things at the club have been, prompting their longest-serving player to say he feels “something different” at the club this season.
He has been reinvigorated in a revamped Rovers that are unbeaten and joint top of the Scottish Championship after four games played.
Ten players have been ended since the close of last season, many of them exciting the fans.
There were a couple of eyebrows raised at one or two departures but adequate replacements appear to have been brought in.
Early business in transfer window and pulling power of Potter
To be fair to manager Ian Murray, his first three, almost immediate, signings last summer – Ross Millen, Scott Brown and Dylan Easton – have all been a success.
Those signed since, other than Scott McGill, have since moved on.
New ownership at Stark’s Park gave Raith the impetus to make early moves in the transfer market – though one of the best pieces of business they appear to have done is bring in John Potter as technical director.
The former Kelty Hearts manager’s name has been mentioned by almost every new signing when asked how their move came about.
Attack, attack, attack
Much of that early business was focused on strengthening the attack.
Last season Rovers weren’t exactly shy in front of goal but did lack a true No 9. They have added that – and more.
Jack Hamilton hasn’t quite got going yet but did start the season with an injury.
Josh Mullin and Callum Smith – the latter, the latest to be plucked from League One – are starting every week and the Smith is contributing every week.
In fact, all of the attacking players, new and old, have a goal or an assist to their name.
Now there are players disappointed – justifiably so – not to be in the starting XI.
Still slightly light in defence
Conceding too many goals is an issue that Murray will address in the coming weeks in what has been a high-scoring division so far.
Despite this, Euan Murray and Keith Watson have hinted that they could develop into a solid partnership – they have certainly improved their repelling of opposition set-pieces, at least.
We have so far been denied a proper look at the potential of Dylan Corr due to a recent injury and, other than Adam Masson, there is little cover for this area other than moving Liam Dick into the centre.
The Rovers manager said he may dip into the loan market and defensive cover will probably be an area they look to address.
Transfer window brings in Championship experience
It was always on the cards that Murray would sign another midfielder and did well to beat a host of other clubs to the signature of Shaun Byrne.
Since regaining match fitness, Byrne has started each game alongside Scott Brown in a formidable-looking Championship midfield.
Byrne’s experience in this division, including promotions, is shared by the likes of Watson and Mullin who both won the league with Ross County – Mullin did so before that with Livingston.
Hamilton also has a track record of goals in Scotland’s second tier.
One of the players who doesn’t fit this mould is goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski who, for all his attributes, has played relatively few first-team matches for his age.
His error at the weekend will happen, but then so will saves such as the one at 1-0 at Rugby Park and in the subsequent penalty shootout.
Conclusion
In short: targets were identified early, convinced of a move to Stark’s Park and are all making a contribution.
It is still early – and there are still areas for the team to work on – but Rovers are benefitting from some smart signings and have some tipping them to be fighting it out at the top of the Championship come the end of the season.
