PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2008

Our annual awards ceremony took place on Saturday 24th May at the Gunners Club in Kirkcaldy, with around 90 people attending to celebrate the occasion. In attendance was Rovers manager John McGlynn, former manager Frank Connor and former players Donald Urquhart, Colin Harris and Ally Gourlay, along with Player of the Year Iain Davidson.

The night was an opportunity to honour Raith players past and present, and our own members achievements throughout the past season. Special guest on the night was Rovers manager John McGlynn, whose opening speech praised Fife's Finest for their very vocal support throughout the season - even during the hospitality day!

Raith Rovers awards

Raith Rovers player of the year award went unanimously to midfielder/center-back Iain Davidson, who couldn't quite explain what happened to his poofy yellow boots at Chester, and reflected on a season which saw him score the matchwinner against Cowdenbeath. The award was presented by Auntie Mags.

Former Player honours

A special presentation was made to former Rovers boss Frank Connor, the founder of the team Jimmy Nicholl took to league and cup glory, and the manager who took Raith out of the 2nd division in 1987 courtesy of a 4-1 win away at Stranraer. Hopefully John McGlynn took some valuable tips as the two chatted for a good while! Frank was gifted a 'lifetime achievement' award as a thanks for his achievements, receiving an engraved pocket watch on behalf of the group.

Also honored was former striker Donald Uquhart, one of Raith’s greatest ever servants and number four in all time appearances for the club, making 445 appearances for the club between 1971 and 1985, behind Willie McNaught, Andy Young and Murray McDermott.

Donald was presented with a crystal decanted with our club badge engraved on it and the award enscription.

Pictured with Donald are Kev Simpson, Fletcher, Big Blair, Chubby and Quinny.

Member awards

Congratulations goes to Chubby on winning the fiercely contested Worst Drunk award, coming marginally ahead of last year's champion Thommo, who handed the title over to him. When asked how he managed to achieve such an incredible feat of being a worse drunk than Thommo, Chubby simply replied that he was too pished to remember!

Worst moaner was presented to Squire by arch-nemisis Quinny, whose award was in no small part down to his inability to last the trip from Kirkcaldy to Perth without a pee stop.

And finally, the most clear-cut winner went to Grubby for worst dancer after his incredible breakdancing moves at pie & bovril, and his dry-humping of a door frame in Stirling saw him outright winner against the impressive gear-changing moves of Goblin and Iain Aitken's total inability to dance.

Congratulations also goes to Greig Peden who won the players player of the year award for the Fife's Finest 7-a-side team.

Worst Moaner - Squire	Worst Dancer - Grubby	FF Player of the year - Peden

Auction

A signed Rovers shirt donated by Skittle was auctioned off for £105 to Smithy, with the proceeds going towards the 'help for heroes' campaign.

A great success overall, and thanks to everyone who helped organise the night, and in particular to the Gunners Club staff for their hospitality.

Entertainment

Live music was provided on the night by 'The Minders' (despite the misprint on the tickets) who played a fantastic mix of classic rock and contemporaty indie to keep the group jumping about like dafties late into the night, with a buffet provided to soak up the alcohol. Although obviously not at the same time as the jumping about!

Past met present on the night as John McGlynn and Frank Connor talked tactics, and hopefully McGynn picked up some pointers as he tries to emulate Frankie's success by gaining promotion from the 2nd division. The highlight of the night however was the rare sight of Quinny actually buying someone a pint!