Although Raith Rovers finished 3rd and lost out in the play-offs to Dundee, it was still a successful season for the Kirkcaldy team. They arrived unheralded as League One champions and soon established themselves as credible play-off contenders.
Only 1 loss in their opening 8 fixtures (W4 D3 L1) that included some big wins, set the bar high for them. Inevitably they stumbled and struggled for consistency. They failed on the big occasions with 2 4-0 defeats at home from Hearts and 3-0 defeat at Stark’s Park in the 1st leg of their play-off with Dundee.
Rovers seemed set for 2nd place in the table, but lost form towards the end and finished in 3rd place. They overcame Fife rivals, Dunfermline, in the play-off quarter finals, but found Dundee too strong for them.
Regan Hendry impressed throughout the season with silky play from midfield and he seems destined for a higher stage. Lewis Vaughan returned from 2 years of serious injuries and rehabilitation to bring some extra quality in the second half of the season.
Considering Rovers would have been happy with a season of consolidation, finishing 3rd and contesting the play-offs can be seen as a major success for them.
Rovers have a settled squad with few changes expected over the summer. They know their style has left them open at times and they have paid a heavy price. With some adjustments they are set for another strong season.
