Former Celtic and Aberdeen man sacked by SPFL club as Hibs legend appointed interim player-manager

Barry Robson has been sacked as manager of Raith Rovers after nearly 11 months in charge.

The former Aberdeen boss departs on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Queen’s Park on Saturday which left the Kirkcaldy club sixth in the Scottish Championship table.

Despite sitting only a point behind the play-off places, the Stark’s Park board felt a change was required amid growing discontent among the fanbase over recent results and performances.

Raith Rovers have sacked Barry Robson after four defeats in six matches. | SNS Group

Raith supporters called for Robson to go after a fourth defeat in six matches left their side bottom of the Championship form table with just four points from the last 18 available. It was also a first win in eight for Queen’s Park.

Robson, the former Celtic and Scotland midfielder, guided the Fifers to a fifth place finish last season, narrowly missing out on the play-offs, after taking over from Neill Collins in December. His record included a 13-match unbeaten league run which stretched from the end of last season into the beginning of the current one.

However, performances have deteriorated over recent weeks and Rovers will now be searching for a third manager in 15 months since the surprise sacking of Ian Murray in August last year.

Raith Rovers defender Paul Hanlon has been appointed interim player-manager.

Robson’s assistant, Andy Kirk, has also been dismissed with former Hibs captain Paul Hanlon appointed interim player-manager while Raith search for a permanent replacement.

A club statement read: “Raith Rovers Football Club can today announce that Barry Robson has been relieved of his duties as Manager.

“In addition, Assistant Manager Andy Kirk will leave his position with immediate effect. Our thanks go to both for their time and effort during their time with us.

“Paul Hanlon will now take charge as Interim Player-Manager with immediate effect.”

Hanlon’s first task will be to prepare the squad for Saturday’s visit of Airdrie. The 35-year-old defender is in his second season with Raith after his 17-year spell at Easter Road came to an end last year.

Raith posted a statement from Hanlon which read: “It’s a privilege to be asked to take on this role. Recent results haven’t been good enough and we’ve already started the work to put that right.

“I’ve got real belief in these players and in what we can still achieve this season. On Saturday I want us to look like a Rovers team our supporters are excited to watch, and give them a performance they can really get behind.”