Bobby Barr has revealed that any lingering doubts he would not be part of new Raith boss Gary Locke’s plans were fully dispelled just minutes after the manager was formally appointed.
The 27-year-old left-sided midfielder spent last season at Morton but signed a pre-contract with the Kirkcaldy club in February.
He was persuaded to do so by former Rovers manager Ray McKinnon with the pair having worked together when they were at Brechin.
Barr admitted that when McKinnon left to become boss at Dundee United he was understandably worried about who the new Raith manager would be and whether he rated him.
Those fears were soon allayed and now he can’t wait to begin working with Locke.
He said: “I signed my pre-contract with Raith in February when Ray was in charge.
“I was obviously a wee bit disappointed when he left to join Dundee United but it wasn’t really a surprise as he had done a great job at Rovers.
“That is just part and parcel of football but there is always a little worry at the back of your mind that the new manager might not rate you the same.
“The game is all about opinions but I think the gaffer was formally appointed at 2pm and just under an hour later, he phoned me to assure me I was very much part of his plans for this season which helped ease my mind.
“I have spoken to the gaffer a couple of times since and I cannot wait to get started in pre-season.”
After signing his pre-contract, Barr then found himself in the unusual position of playing against his new club for Morton.
However, he insists he was fully focused on being as professional as he could and doing well for the Greenock side.
He said: “I only had to do it once at Cappielow.
“To be honest, it did not bother me and I was just determined to do my best for Morton as they were paying my wages after all.
“I was disappointed that we lost 1-0 but now I am fully focused on making an impact at Raith.
“The lads did really well to make the play-offs last season and while Hibs, Falkirk and Dundee United will no doubt be favourites for the title, hopefully we can do the same again.
“A lot of the lads who were here last season will be back again so hopefully we can go and challenge at the top end of the table once more.”
Of course, next season, Barr will be looking to put one over on the man responsible for bringing him to Stark’s Park when Rovers play United.
He added: “I worked with Ray at Brechin and I can’t speak highly enough of him.
“He did really well at Raith but the United job was too big for him to refuse.
“I am sure he will turn things around at the club and I will certainly enjoy meeting up with him again when we play them.”