Raith Rovers boss Ray McKinnon has revealed he was so determined to sign Jon Daly, he turned up at the player’s home to seal the deal.
The Stark’s Park manager could not hide his delight last night after landing the former Dundee United and Rangers striker.
The 32-year-old was a free agent after leaving the Glasgow club at the start of the summer and had been linked with a move abroad.
However, McKinnon had been on the hunt for an experienced front man and was certain the big Irishman fitted the bill something reinforced by the recommendation of Ally McCoist among others.
After meeting the player on Sunday night and agreeing a deal, Daly trained with Raith yesterday morning and then put pen to paper on a short-term contract until January.
He goes straight into McKinnon’s squad for tonight’s League Cup game against Hamilton.
The manager said: “I had been speaking to Jon for a week of two and met him for a coffee to sell the club to him.
“I had spoken to Ally McCoist and people at Dundee United about him and they all gave him glowing references.
“So after the Rangers v Hibs game on Sunday, I just turned up at his door and we shook on a deal.
“Jon then received a last-minute offer from another club for more money but he stuck by his commitment to Raith.
“I am absolutely delighted to have someone of his pedigree and experience at the club.
“It is great for Raith Rovers to have him on board.
“He will give us a big physical presence and a real goal threat.
“Jon will take some of the pressure off Mark Stewart and Craig Wighton up front.
“I am sure that playing alongside someone of Jon’s experience will help young Craig’s development.
“Jon is a top pro and he ticked every box for us I am absolutely delighted he will be playing at Raith.”
McKinnon’s joy at Daly’s arrival was in sharp contrast to his mood when he discovered that Ross Callachan had dislocated his shoulder in a freak accident on Sunday and is facing several weeks on the sidelines.
The manager said: “Ross was just out with his girlfriend on Sunday in the park and he put his hand on a rock to steady himself but it moved and he has dislocated his shoulder.
“I am absolutely gutted for him. We are still waiting for a scan to reveal the full extent of the damage but he is looking at a possible 12 weeks out.
“He is a massive player for us and it is the last thing we needed with Lewis Vaughan already being ruled out for the season.”