Raith Rovers boss Grant Murray says he is delighted to have former Dundee United defender Maurice Malpas on board and revealed yesterday he was one of the key drivers behind the move.
Murray has been working along with first team coach Laurie Ellis in recent months, although the void left by the departure of assistant manager Paul Smith in September was one that needed to be filled.
However, after discussions with new club chairman Alan Young about how to take the club forward, the Rovers boss is thrilled to have someone of Tannadice legend Malpas’ calibre at Stark’s Park albeit in a slightly different role.
“Obviously there’s been a position available since Paul went out,” he explained.
“It’s been quite unique because obviously Paul was part-time, so to go and replace that position on a part-time basis was difficult because we train through the day and we’re a full-time club.
“We do have two part-time players, and one of the reasons Paul left was because he had work commitments and felt he wasn’t spending enough time with the players through the week.
“So we had to try and fill that, and it was never going to happen overnight.
“I sat down with the new chairman and spoke about what the club needs, the different things we needed in the background, and that’s why we brought in Maurice Malpas because he covers numerous things.
“He’s worked at every level of football, his experience is invaluable, and I think it will put the club in a better position for the future.
“I think the first thing you need to look at is what he’s achieved as a football player, first and foremost, and obviously the coaching side of it and the clubs he’s worked at.
“So it’s fantastic to have him here now and when I spoke to him he was looking forward to it and the role fits him well.”
Rovers earned their first league win since November 15 when they defeated Falkirk 1-0 on Saturday, and they are now preparing for this weekend’s eagerly-anticipated Fife derby with Cowdenbeath.
As things stood last night, they will have to do it without on loan Rangers winger Barrie McKay, whose loan deal is due to come to an end on Friday.
Talks are continuing between the clubs, but Murray remained pragmatic about the situation yesterday.
“We’d like to keep Barrie but we’ve always known our court,” he added.
“He’s a Rangers player and he’s done what we’ve asked him to do, to join the club and be here for a loan period until January.
“I think he’s a better player for that and I think he’s helped us.
“When we got him he wasn’t playing regular first team football, so he’s done that and I think it’s helped him and given him his confidence back.
“If he’s here for the second half of the season we’d be delighted, if he’s not then we move on.”