ARSENAL SCOTLAND VISIT - Saturday 9th August 2008

As part of the 125th annniversary celebrations of Raith Rovers Football Club, Fife's Finest invited Arsenal Scotland Supporters Club as our guests at our home match against Queen's Park to celebrate the historical links between Raith and Arsenal.

In particlar, the visit was to pay tribute to the local man responsible for the very existance of Arsenal - David Danskin. Born in Burntisland in 1863, Danskin grew up in Kirkcaldy and played for Kirkcaldy Wanderers before Raith Rovers formation in 1883. Although never actually playing for Raith, Kirkcaldy Wanderers did play on the park that was to become Stark’s Park before Raith moved there from Robbie’s Park (now Beveridge Park) in 1891, and Danskin became one of many local football legends to grace his skills on the Stark’s Park turf.

In addition, other Rovers and Arsenal greats have included Alex James, whose transfer from Raith to Preston North End in 1995 part-funded the building of our unique L-shaped main stand, and Joe Baker who ended his playing career in Kirkcaldy.

As part of the visit, the group had their picture taken on the hallowed turf where Arsenal's founding father once played.

Hopefully this will be one of many visits to the San Starko for the group - especially if they contribute to the matchday singing like they did against Queen's Park with taunting chants of "Are you Tottenham in disguise" at our opponents.

You can find more information about Arsenal Scotland on their website: www.arsenalscotland.com