Montrose boss Stewart Petrie won’t mention Raith Rovers’ lack of a manager to his players when they arrive at Stark’s Park this afternoon.
The Gable Endies are determined to fully focus on themselves today despite coming up against a side that has yet to fill the vacancy left by Barry Smith’s resignation almost three weeks ago.
Indeed, Montrose gaffer Stewart Petrie was at pains to point out that Rovers, despite all their troubles, are still most people’s tip to win the League One title.
Petrie said: “They may not have a manager at the moment but Raith are still the team most people would say are the title favourites.
“Kevin Cuthbert seems to be doing a good job there as caretaker and they still have all their quality players.
“This is a formidable challenge for my players – there is no getting away from that.
“You only have to look back at Raith’s last home result to see that. A 4-0 win over Forfar is mightily impressive.
“It is a long time since we played Raith and we are underdogs.
“So we are only focusing on ourselves.
“We can’t be thinking about what is or is not happening with Raith.
“We are all looking forward to the game and it gives us a chance to get back winning again after losing at Dumbarton.”
The Gable Endies will be without the injured Matty Allan and Michael Bolocheweckyj is suspended.
Also, Josh Skelly has joined Cowdenbeath on loan until January.
The 21-year-old arrived at Links Park in the summer but has found it hard to break into the first team and Petrie hopes the move will give the frontman some much-needed game time.
