Raith Rovers have pulled off a free transfer coup by signing striker Anton Dowds after his departure from Ayr United. The 29-year-old forward will bolster Dougie Imrie’s Championship side for the 2026/27 campaign after his contract expired at Ayr.
What’s the deal with Anton Dowds?
Dowds leaves Ayr United on a free transfer after three years at the Championship club. He posted a farewell message on social media, thanking the club and supporters for his time at Somerset Park. The striker scored seven goals in 31 appearances for Ayr last season, ending his spell with a return of 11 goals in 56 games across all competitions.
Why does this matter for Raith Rovers?
Raith sit fifth in the Championship with 45 points from 36 games, 32 behind leaders St Johnstone. Their recent form reads WLLWW, with a narrow +1 goal difference (43 scored, 42 conceded). The club’s last result came on 1 May 2026, a 3-2 win over Ross County. With the transfer window still open, Dowds adds firepower to a squad chasing a top-six finish.
What’s next for the striker and the club?
Dowds arrives fresh from PFA Scotland’s pre-season camp and will slot into Imrie’s plans for the new campaign. Raith’s next league outing is still to be confirmed, but the squad’s recent two-game winning run offers a lift. The club’s summer rebuild continues after a campaign where they pushed for a top-half spot despite a tight goal difference.
Raith Rovers sit fifth in the Championship with 45 points from 36 games, 32 behind leaders St Johnstone, and their last result was a 3-2 win over Ross County on 1 May 2026.
