Raith Rovers defender Ross Millen has detailed the influence his father, assistant manager Andy Millen, had on his summer return to Stark's Park. The 31-year-old full-back rejoined the Championship side on a one-year deal after leaving Inverness Caledonian Thistle, a move he discussed in an interview with the Fife Today Football outlet this week.
Ross Millen's signing bolsters a Raith squad sitting third in the Championship table with seven points from four games. Their record shows two wins, one draw, and one loss, with a recent form of LWWD. The team has scored five goals and conceded three, giving them a positive goal difference of two as they aim to close a three-point gap to leaders Stenhousemuir.
How did the summer transfer unfold?
Ross Millen received a direct phone call from Raith Rovers manager Dougie Imrie to initiate the move. He then consulted with his agent about the potential switch. Interestingly, his father Andy was not involved in the early discussions. "No, my dad was away on holiday for three weeks," Ross Millen said, confirming the assistant manager was absent during the initial process. The defender did not speak to his father about the transfer until the actual day he put pen to paper on his contract.
What is Andy Millen's background in football?
Andy Millen brings extensive experience to his role as Raith's assistant manager. Now 61, he enjoyed a 25-year senior playing career that spanned from 1986 to 2011. During that time, he turned out for 11 different Scottish clubs, including a stint with Raith Rovers themselves. His deep understanding of the Scottish game, forged over decades, now informs his coaching work at the club. Fans can see how the current squad is shaping up by visiting the official squad page.
How does the father-son dynamic work at the club?
Despite their family connection, Ross Millen insists there is no special treatment on the training ground or during matches. He describes his father as 'old school' and not particularly interested in phones, focusing instead on coaching. Andy Millen is known for being very tough on his son in sessions and games. "I would definitely say, and I think all the other Raith players would agree, that my dad doesn’t treat me differently from anyone else," Ross Millen stated. This professional approach extends back to Ross's childhood, when he used to fetch balls as a kid while his father trained with St Mirren.
What does this mean for Raith Rovers' season?
The addition of an experienced defender like Ross Millen provides valuable depth as Raith Rovers chase promotion. With the team currently in third place and within touching distance of the top, every point is vital. The upcoming schedule, which you can view on our fixtures page, will test the squad's consistency. Integrating a player who understands the club's culture and a coach's demands from a young age could prove beneficial. Supporters can track the team's progress in the standings as the Championship campaign develops. Maintaining their solid defensive record, having conceded only three goals so far, will be key to mounting a sustained title challenge.
