BBC NEWS: Ross Matthews picks 5 Raith Rovers career highlights ahead of testimonial against Hearts.
Ross Matthews’ time at Raith Rovers will be commemorated with a testimonial match against childhood favorites Hearts on Wednesday night.
And that may be an odd sensation for a player who is used to letting others take the attention.
The 28-year-old made his first-team debut for Raith at the age of 17, barely 18 months after being released by Hearts.
But, in the intervening years, the Stark’s Park stalwart has gained many fans – both in the crowd and on the pitch – with his unwavering commitment to the Rovers cause.
Courier Sport interviewed the unsung hero to reflect on his career in his own words.
1. Debut against Livingston, December 2013.
“My debut game was against Livingston, but I consider it my first start against Dumbarton.”
“I came in for approximately five minutes against Livingston, and we lost 3-0. I was excited, but I’d be lucky to touch the ball three times.
“Dumbarton was my next appearance at the end of the following season, and there was nothing to play for.”
“I was told that Liam Fox, Raith’s centre midfielder at the time, instructed (caretaker) manager Laurie Ellis to give one of the young lads a shot in his place.
“So I am grateful to him for the chance. Now he’s bringing Hearts across for my testimonial game; it’s weird how football works.
“I was his boot boy, and he was always very helpful to me, offering me advice. He was absolutely someone I looked up to while he was at Raith.”
2. A steep learning curve and a hill to avoid.
“We had a pretty solid squad with a lot of veteran players to learn from, including Jason Thomson, Grant Anderson, David McGurn, and Dougie Hill.
“It was an excellent foundation. Those men would not allow you get away with anything. It’s what helped me toughen up.
“We were also getting booted around the park during training!
“I believe they loved the fact that I could put my foot in, albeit this did get me in trouble a few times.
“I recall Dougie Hill attempting to go for me once. “There I was, a young boy, scared for my life!”
3. Breakthrough Campaign
“In 2015/16, I broke into the team. so was also an excellent moment to accomplish so, as the league was brimming with great clubs like Rangers and Hibernian.
“Strangely, Ray McKinnon used to constantly play me in the major games because he knew I was very fit, youthful, and passionate, and I could take on anyone!
“It was fantastic for me because I was able to perform in all of these incredible stadiums during my first year on the scene.
“We performed well that year, reaching the play-offs before being defeated by Hibs.”
“We also lost to Hibs in the Scottish Cup that season, and they obviously won the cup that year.
“I don’t think my family’s ever forgiven me, thinking I could have stopped it!”
4. Initial aim and hero’s function
“I recall my first goal perfectly. It was the opening league game of the season (2016/17) in Ayr.
“Rudi Skacel had a shot, which broke out to me, and I tapped in.”
“That was a fantastic time, since I was overjoyed when he signed with Raith.He was like a hero to me growing up.
“I had Hearts tops with his name on the back, and when he came to Royston Rangers, he signed one of my maroon Adidas Predators.
“Then I got to play with him, which was awesome.
“Some players have had a greater impact on me, such as Lewis Vaughan, who I consider to be the best I’ve played with.”
“But just the fact that I grew up watching him, it was pretty surreal for me to get to play with him.”
5. From Lowlights to Highlights
“I grew up as a Hearts supporter and attended the academy from the age of nine or 10. So it was difficult for me to accept being discharged.
“I remember being sad on the drive home, crying in the car with my father.
“But, looking back, that was arguably the finest thing that happened to me, since I ended up moving to Raith and getting a great apprenticeship.
“I will be eternally thankful to Raith, Grant Murray, and Laurie Ellis for providing me the chance.
“Obviously, relegation has been the lowest point in my Raith career.
“I vividly remember how we felt after losing to Brechin in the play-offs. The changing room was terrible.
“The Challenge Cup and promotion from League One would be the next big highlights.
“You don’t really get many chances to win a cup, so the Challenge Cup was pretty special.”
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