Raith Rovers’ cup winning heroes are to be hailed for their “historic victory” at a civic reception in Kirkcaldy Town House.
The Stark’s Park stars wrote their name into club folklore by defeating Rangers in the final of the Ramsdens Cup on Sunday.
In front of 20,000 supporters at Easter Road, Rovers overcame the odds to replicate Jimmy Nicholl’s League Cup winning legends of 1994, the last time the club won a domestic cup.
John Baird’s winner three minutes before the end of extra-time sparked wild celebrations among the Rovers faithful.
Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP and Raith fan Gordon Brown called for the players to be recognised for their achievements.
He said: “This is a historic victory and a great Easter gift for Kirkcaldy which will be remembered for decades and recognised almost certainly in the Raith Rovers Hall of Fame.
“It is a huge achievement, not only winning the Ramsdens Cup but marking a double over the Old Firm, having beaten Celtic in 1994 to the Scottish League Cup and now beating Rangers.
“The manager, team and board deserve praise. I have asked the council to arrange a civic reception at Kirkcaldy Town House.”
Fife Council leader David Ross said: “I’d like to pass on my congratulations to the players and all those involved with the club.
“This is a great achievement and the club’s performance is a credit to Kirkcaldy and to the whole of Fife.
“I have been in contact with the provost and we will be in touch with the club to arrange a civic reception to celebrate their achievement.”
Provost Jim Leishman is an interim board member with Fife rivals Dunfermline Athletic. Ecstatic fans spent Sunday night partying and celebrating in and around Kirkcaldy as cup fever gripped the town.
Supporters have taken to fan forums to express their joy at the victory.
Tam said: “Elated, utterly exhausted and didn’t sleep well. The mind played the game over and over again.
“I can still hear the fans singing. What a day, we are simply the best.”
Craig_1986 said: “I was too young to really appreciate the magnitude of winning the League Cup in 1994 but the atmosphere and celebrations yesterday were out of this world.
“The celebrations when Baird scored trumps anything I’ve ever witnessed or been involved in when it comes to celebrating a goal. Just absolute bedlam.”
ByTor said: “The moment Baird’s shot hit the net is one of the times that will live with me for years. So proud to be a Rovers fan this morning. Thank God it’s a local holiday with no work to go to.”
Home shirt sponsors O’Connell’s even posted a sick note template on their Facebook page for all Rovers fans that were suddenly too ill to attend work.
Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance has also submitted a motion to parliament congratulating Rovers on their win and recognising the hard work and commitment of all at the club.