Andy Kirk has revealed the long-standing connections that helped him seal his move to Raith Rovers this summer.
The former Dunfermline and Hearts striker was recently named as the Kirkcaldy club’s new assistant-manager following the departure of Colin Cameron.
The switch came after Kirk was axed from the same role by St Johnstone following a restructuring of Simo Valakari’s backroom team in the wake of relegation.
His move to Stark’s Park was announced later the same day.
And the former Northern Ireland internationalist is now excited to be working alongside Rovers manager Barry Robson and technical director John Potter.
“It’s just football, it’s in my blood, it’s what I’ve done my whole life,” said the 46-year-old.
“And obviously getting the chance to work with Barry [Robson] and Pottsy [Potter] and people like that, it excites me as well.
“The project that they’re trying to push through here is another factor.
“The whole thing excites me and I’m really looking forward to getting right in the crux of it.
“I played with Pottsy previously at Dunfermline, so I’ve known him for quite a bit of time.
Kirk: ‘I’m very, very impressed’
“Barry, I was on the A Licence [coaching course] with him back in 2012, I think it was. And then we did our Pro Licence together in 2017/18, so I sort of knew him from then.
“It’s like everything in football, the opportunity comes out of the blue sometimes.
“I went and had a good chat with him. He showed me the way he wants to play, how he wants to work. I’m very, very impressed with everything he showed me.
“It’s the sort of style and environment that I want to work in, so I’m looking forward to it.”
After just over two years as manager of Brechin City, Kirk left to join St Johnstone as assistant to mentor Craig Levein.
He then stayed on under Valakari after briefly filling in as caretaker boss for two games last September.
The former Hearts coach and women’s team manager admits ‘you learn all the time’ and adapt over the years.
However, he insists he has core values he expects when he coaches.
“My role is to support the manager and, ultimately, I’m here to develop players as well,” he added in an interview on Raith TV.
“I’ve got a lot of things to offer, and I think that’s why Barry’s brought me on board as well.
Kirk: Raith players will have to ‘work hard’
“First of all, everything supports him. But, most of all, the two of us are here to work as hard as we can to try and make the team better and improve the team for the fans, for the football club, and try and bring some success.
“There’s a lot of different factors in my coaching but I like my players to work hard. I like the players to have a good attitude, I like my players to enjoy what they’re doing.
“And I really like to help develop players and make them better, so that’s a factor in there.
“I’ve got loads of enthusiasm for the game. I’ve been in the game a long time and have a lot of experience.
“And it’s about trying to pass that across to the players and help them as much as possible.”
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