A bizarre story from Raith Rovers' past has resurfaced as the club mounts a serious promotion push in the Scottish Championship. Former manager Craig Levein has revealed he attended an exorcism ceremony with then-Chancellor Gordon Brown in 2006 while trying to sign defender Marvin Andrews.
Levein, who managed the club on a non-contract basis for seven matches that year, shared the story on the Under the Cosh podcast. He described receiving a call from Brown, who was a local MP and a fervent supporter of the club. "Gordon Brown phoned me to go and meet him in Kirkcaldy," Levein said. The pair then drove to the Zion Praise Centre in the town, where they witnessed a service led by Pastor Joe Nwokoye.
A faith-driven transfer
The meeting was arranged with Andrews, who had just been released by Rangers and was a devout Christian. Levein recounted arriving to find a ceremony in progress where the pastor was attempting to cast out demons from worshippers. "We went inside and we had chosen an evening to go along when they were casting out demons," Levein explained, calling it the most bizarre evening of his life. He observed about six people lying on the ground during the intense spiritual event.
Despite the high-level political intervention, Andrews' decision to return to Starks Park was ultimately a matter of faith, not politics. Upon signing, the defender made his priorities clear. "I'm delighted to be back at Starks Park but I'm not here because of what Gordon Brown said," Andrews stated at the time, explaining his move was guided by what he believed God told him. After retiring from football, Andrews transitioned fully into Christian ministry and still offers exorcism services.
Current focus on promotion
This slice of club history emerges as the modern-day Raith Rovers sit second in the Scottish Championship, just two points behind leaders Stenhousemuir with 20 points from 10 games. Their promotion credentials were bolstered by a 2-0 win over Queen's Park last weekend, with goals from Scott Brown and Kyle Turner.
The story shows the unique characters and moments that have shaped the Kirkcaldy club. Levein, a boyhood fan, and Brown, who would become Prime Minister, were united in a desperate, unconventional attempt to strengthen the squad nearly two decades ago. Their current squad, however, is building success on more traditional foundations, evidenced by a solid defensive record of just six goals conceded this season.
Raith Rovers' immediate focus is firmly on the pitch, with a key away match against league leaders Stenhousemuir scheduled for 17 October 2026. A victory in that game would see Rovers leapfrog their opponents into first place.
The original report is at Daily Mail Sport
Craig Levein has provided new details of the 2006 exorcism ceremony he attended with Gordon Brown. The former Raith manager described Brown arriving at the Kirkcaldy meeting point in a convoy. "Three Range Rovers sped into the car park," Levein said on the Under the Cosh podcast. He added that Brown then instructed him to get in his car to go to the Zion Praise Centre. The modern-day Raith Rovers side, who are second in the Championship, face leaders Stenhousemuir on 17 October.
