This is genuinely good news.
Here are the words of the Raith chairman:
I firstly want to apologise wholeheartedly to our fans, sponsors, players and the wider Raith Rovers community for the anguish and anger caused over the past few days.
We got it wrong.
In reaching our original decision, we focused far too much on football matters and not enough on what this decision would mean for our club and the community as a whole.
Over the past couple of days, we listened carefully to the fans who have got in touch and I’m very grateful for their honesty. As chairman, as a board and as a management team, we have all learned a hard but valuable lesson.
This very unfortunate episode is something that we all bitterly regret and we are now wholly committed to making things right. I can therefore confirm that, following a meeting of the Raith Rovers board, the player will not be selected by Raith Rovers and we will enter into discussions with the player regarding his contractual position.
We share a desire to do what is best for our club and will be doing everything in our power to regain the trust and confidence of the Raith Rovers family.
Chairman
On Behalf of the Board of Raith Rovers FC
Even if this U-turn was forced upon them, it is still the correct decision.
The late great Turnbull Hutton would have never allowed this situation to develop in the first place.
His sense of decency and his genuine love for his club gave him a sturdy moral compass.
Those now in the boardroom at Stark’s Park would do well to try and emulate him.
If they cannot then they would be well advised to take heed of former Rovers chairman Bill Clark.
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Conflicted on this. He’s not a convicted criminal (for this) but he likely did it as per a court of law. We allow people to rehabilitate after all crimes and technically here there was no crime. People must be able to make a living but can you make a living in the public eye when the public are so obviously against you? Don’t appreciate your black and white view on this Phil.
Facts of the matter is that David Goodwillie was not found guilty of this in a criminal court in Scotland as there was insufficient evidence. It would appear to me that this is a witch-hunt,note Christiano Ronaldo had an alleged rape case against himself recently which was all hushed up as he was/is the greatest footballer ever.There was no furore when Mr Goodwillie signed for Clyde and he was there for almost 5 years.And if Mr Goodwillie was guilty,is there not anything in remorse or letting this young man atone for his alleged sins.After all,he does have a partner and a young family.
Indeed. Role model? At Raith Rovers? Give me a break. Senor Ronaldo had the money and good legal advice to proactively make the problem disappear. 4 years at Clyde FC for Mr Goodwillie and not a peep from this site, the FM or any other of the moral guardians of social media. Decision against him on the same basis as Mr Tonev and we’ve since seen the moral standing of the ‘victim’ of his crimes.
Would Ms McDermid and Ms Sturgeon rather Goodwillie earned his living in an anonymous employ, perhaps decorating their homes in broad daylight? Indeed, do they vet any tradesperson in the same way?
Meanwhile the myriad dangerous and drink driving players pass almost casually through society including our own captain.
Let’s hope Mr Goodwillie has similar strength of mind as Ms Clair and does not feel as though life is no longer worth living if he cannot earn one. I would hate to feel any responsibility for that kind of outcome.
Phil, can you imagine anyone from the grey brigade apologising so publicly? For me, not a chance.
Although, you’d like to think Celtic would never make such an error.
I’ve yet to read your piece on Turnbull Hutton, I’ll get to it later 🤞🏼
Correct he was a principled man and like you say he would’ve never let this nonsense get this far.
I was surprised by Raith signing him and thought they’re taking a big risk here, thankfully they’ve seen sense now.
Prolific lately Phil tyvm, what with my usual activities and watching the goals again, the blogs and yourself there just so much to ingest😇
I’m not complaining though, we waited long enough for this and I’m savouring it all every last drop.
Cheers Phil 🇮🇪
HH🍀