John McGlynn eyes Dens cup cash boost for Raith Rovers

Advertisement

A Cup win could clear Raith Rovers' debt

Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn thinks victory at Dundee in Saturday's Scottish Cup quarter-final could help clear the Fife club's debts.

"A semi-final would make a massive difference," McGlynn told BBC Scotland ahead of the all First Division clash.

"I'm not an accountant but I'm sure it would get us near a situation where we we are talking about clearing the debt.

"A quarter-final is great from the players' point of view but the next hurdle would help the club enormously."

McGlynn has already tasted Scottish Cup success, with Hearts lifting the trophy in 2006 when he was assistant to Valdas Ivanauskas.

He made the move to Stark's Park later that year, replacing Craig Levein, now Scotland manager, who had moved on to take over at Dundee United.

"To be part of winning the cup with Hearts was something else and I'll take that to my grave," he explained.

"It was a big risk for me, financially and career-wise.

"But I just felt it was time for me to stand on my own two feet.

"I'd worked with so many managers and felt I could do that type of job.

"When I arrived in November 2006, we were sitting second bottom of the Second Division.

"Now we're in a good position in the First Division and in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

Pressure on Dundee - Williamson

"It just shows how quickly things can change in football."

Rovers, who won the Second Division last year, have a blend of part-time and full-time players and have done enough to steer well clear of the relegation zone.

The Fifers also caused the shock of this season's Scottish Cup so far by eliminating Aberdeen in a replay at Pittodrie after a last-gasp goal had earned the Dons a draw at Stark's Park.

"The club had been through some hard times and had maybe lost touch with the community," McGlynn added. "We started to build bridges and get people back on board, including sponsorship from local businesses.

"We had to enhance every aspect of the club and make the players feel good about being involved.

"We've still got a bit to go but we've come a long way."

Saturday's opponents are leading the First Division and have spent heavily on players during the summer.

But Rovers held Dundee to a 2-2 draw in Fife early in the season and lost out 2-1 on their previous visit to Tayside.

"We've given them two hard games," said McGlynn, who had two spells as caretaker boss at Hearts. "Both were nip and tuck and I would imagine Saturday could be similar.

"I can't take the finances into consideration. I have to concentrate on the game. It's 11 against 11 and if we do come out on top then the rewards would be a bonus."