Teenager Kieron Bowie has landed Raith Rovers a six-figure windfall after completing his move to Fulham.
The 17-year-old striker penned a pre-contract with the English Championship outfit back in February and has now sealed the switch after helping Rovers land the League One title.
The transfer will land the Stark’s Park outfit an initial £150,000, with that figure set to rise further depending on first-team appearances and a percentage of any future sell-on fee.
The money will be crucial in helping to keep Raith afloat, according to manager John McGlynn, who gave the club further reason for celebration yesterday when he and assistant Paul Smith agreed contract extensions to tie them to the club for another two years.
And, as he completed his move south, the dugout duo were in thoughts of Bowie, who finished the campaign as Raith’s top scorer with 10 goals in 35 appearances before the premature end in March.
He said: “The last year or so has been a whirlwind and dream to play and score in the first-team.
“To now get the chance to join a club the size of Fulham is really exciting and a great opportunity to help progress my career.
“I will be forever grateful for the chance the management team have given me, so it was really important for me to finish the season with Raith.
“I’m looking forward to joining Fulham and getting started.”
McGlynn handed Bowie his debut aged just 16 in February last year and admits his departure could prove crucial off the pitch for Raith.
He said: “The supporters have been fantastic with the way they have backed the club financially, it’s been truly humbling, and the money coming in for Kieron will also help the board of directors keep the club afloat and keep the club going. That is the most important thing, because they club’s got to be there in future for the fans, and Kieron’s money will help that as well.
“It has been a pleasure working and seeing Kieron develop so quickly – he has improved beyond all recognition in the last 12 months.
“We feel it’s a great opportunity for Kieron to join a club such as Fulham who have a great history, and think it will be a good fit for him.”
Meanwhile, McGlynn, who was out of contract at Rovers this summer, has expressed his delight at putting the finishing touches to a new two-year deal.
He said: “The negotiations have been on-going for some time but a lot of it stalled because of the coronavirus. It was always going to get done, it was just a matter of the right time.
“We were furloughed and I’ve only just come off furlough on July 1, so it was an appropriate time to get it sorted out.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my second term at the club and look forward to working with the players in the SPFL Championship.
“Hopefully we will get the chance to celebrate the league win when we can all be back at Stark’s Park.”
