Raith chief executive Eric Drysdale has revealed that applications to become the club’s new manager had been flooding in “at a rate of knots” from here and abroad yesterday.
Rovers parted company with boss Grant Murray on Monday evening after a disappointing run of results which culminated in Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat to relegation-threatened Livingston.
Drysdale admitted sacking Murray was still a hard decision to take considering the length of service he had given to Raith, firstly as a player before making the step up to become manager after John McGlynn left for Hearts.
However, having now parted company with the 39-year-old, the Stark’s Park board are determined to take their time to ensure they find the right replacement with Drysdale admitting there would be a new government in place following next week’s general election before a new manager has been named.
He said: “It was obviously a really difficult decision for the board to take.
“Grant had been manager at the club for three years and was the third longest-serving manager in Scottish football.
“He had also been an established player with us before that.
“So it was tough coming to that decision.
“We do not have a ready-made replacement in mind but applications have already started coming in at a fair rate of knots from all over Europe.
“There are also a good number from some names you might expect.
“So we should have a good number of applications in the next couple of days and we will then sit down and draw up a short-list.
Drysdale added: “We are determined though not to rush things as it is a very important appointment for us there will probably be a new government before a new Raith boss.
“It will not be next week but the week or two after that.
“The player contract situation will have to be carefully managed but most of their deals don’t run out until the end of May which gives us a little breathing space.
“We are open to all offers from potential candidates but the most important thing is that we recognise the supporters are the lifeblood of the club.
“All fans want success but they also want to be entertained with exciting football and to look forward to games.
“So we are determined to get the best candidate in place to deliver that.
“We are looking for someone who will meet that criteria, who is personable, can relate to the fans and also be fully active in the local community.”